Graduating senior Lena Benwood finished her UVM athletic career with the final women’s field hockey game of the season at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Vermont’s nominee for the America East Fans’ Choice Player of the Year, Benwood started all 17 games for the Catamounts this season. She is now ranked No. 5 in Vermont history for most career wins.

Benwood came to Vermont from British Columbia, Canada where she excelled in both field hockey and cross country.

In her first year at UVM, she made the America East All-Rookie team and was named both Defensive Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week early on into her starting career.

Benwood was named Defensive Player of the Week two more times throughout her career, and through time in Vermont was a model of defensive consistency and reliability, tied for 15th in UVM history for most career games played.

“It feels weird that it’s over,” Benwood said regarding the end of her collegiate field hockey career.

The team finished 5-12 for the season despite early wins against rivals University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth College.

“It’s too bad that we lost some key games, but this team is still playing hockey at a high level and I’m excited for their future,” Benwood said.

Benwood said the Oct. 15 double overtime win against New Hampshire was one of the highlights of her UVM field hockey career.

First-year Shannon English of New Zealand is expected to step up to the position of starting goalkeeper next year after Benwood’s graduation.

She will have big shoes to fill.

Benwood has been beloved by UVM field hockey as a four year starter, team leader, and record setter in many areas.

Benwood has the 5th most wins in program history with 19, and the 7th most saves with 462.

Benwood says she is continuing to work out and enjoying her senior year. She will graduate in the spring with a mechanical engineering degree.