SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (May 2, 2025) – Following the end of the season, two members of the Western New England women's lacrosse team have earned accolades from the Conference of New England on the 2025 All-Conference Teams as voted on by the league's ten head coaches. 

On the first team for the first time in her career, senior Melissa Shanteler earns the award at the defensive position. A mainstay in the Western New England women's lacrosse starting lineup on the back line, Shanteler led the Golden Bears with 54 ground balls scooped this season to go along with 25 caused turnovers, also a team high. The Mansfield, Massachusetts native was also third on the team in draw controls, winning 25 this year. Shanteler played in all 17 games for Western New England, making 16 starts, finishing her four-year career with 71 total games played and 67 starts. With her 66 career caused turnovers, Shanteler nearly breaks into the top-10 in program history with the mark. The WNE senior picks up accolades on an All-Conference team for the second time in her career after being named to the third team a season ago. 

Offensive threat Mia Celentano has landed on the All-Conference second team this season for the Golden Bears, leading the team in nearly every offensive statistical category. Celentano came up with 56 goals and 21 assists, picking up a career high 77 points overall this season. The Hamden, Connecticut native came up with 140 shots, putting 87 on goal. Not only did Celentano aid the Golden Bears offensively, she also came around on the defensive side of the ball, scooping 31 ground balls, causing 20 turnovers, and was victorious in 88 draw controls on the year. Celentano ends her four years at WNE with 165 goals, ranking eighth most
in program history, while her 388 total shots attempted, 267 shots on goal, and 184 draw controls will all go down in the WNE women's lacrosse record books. To go along with her second-team All-Conference recognition, Celentano was also named to the Conference of New England Community Service Team, the newest award this season, highlighting one student-athlete per institution who demonstrates a commitment to their community. Each winner was picked and nominated by each program's head coach. Celentano is the first Golden Bear from WNE women's lacrosse to eaen the award. 

The Golden Bears made it to the Conference of New England tournament this season, while posting a 4-3 record on home turf.