By Jim Fenton

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- His high school soccer career concluded in the fall of 2022 with a Division 2 state championship.

One year later, Hector Bucio (Easton, Mass.) started his college career with a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference title and a trip to the NCAA Division 3 tournament.

In both instances, Bucio played a key role for Oliver Ames High and Bridgewater State University, making significant contributions on a pair of championship teams.

Now a sophomore back at BSU, the physical education major is grateful for the back-to-back crowns.

Oliver Ames rallied to a 3-2 win over Hopkinton in the state title game on Nov. 19, 2022 with Bucio netting the tying goal with less than five minutes remaining.

Bucio then earned All-Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference second team honors as a BSU freshman defender when the Bears swept the regular-season and postseason titles for the first time.

"It was definitely amazing to get that in high school, working hard all four years and playing with guys I grew up with," said Bucio. "Then, to transition to college and winning the MASCAC and going to the NCAA was great.

"I had played in big games and was prepared (for the tournament run in college). It helped for sure with my experience. Making the NCAAs was a great accomplishment and we're hoping to make it back again. Overall, it was a great experience."

Bucio made the All-MASCAC team as one of the conference's leading defenders after being part of a BSU defense that allowed just 21 goals in 20 games. He started 17 games and had a goal and an assist.

This season, Bucio has a pair of goals to lead the Bears through the first five games. BSU (1-2-2) opens the MASCAC season at 11 a.m. on Saturday, traveling to Worcester State University.

After being part of four Hockomock League championships at OA, Bucio spent the summer of 2023 doing all he could to prepare for the move to collegiate soccer.

"My goal really was to get minutes and play," said Bucio. "I wasn't thinking about awards or accolades or all that stuff. The offseason that year, I had to push myself to really work hard to earn a spot.

"I thought I'd be part of the bench, but I pushed myself and it was worth it. I got the minutes I wanted and was thankful for that. I was grateful to have the opportunity to play right away.

"I was definitely expecting a big adjustment playing against older guys, more experienced, bigger, faster and stronger guys. I think I adjusted quickly. I came from good programs growing up and that helped. I was able to adjust quickly."

BSU coach Brendan Adams cites the work ethic of Bucio for the success he has had in soccer.

"He works very hard,'' said Adams. "He's a very determined player. He kind of enjoys the grind, embraces the struggle to be a better player, and that's what separates him from his opponents at times. He's someone who just really is passionate about getting better.

"Sometimes it's frustrating for him if it's just not his day, but what he does is he goes about his business the next day and tries to get better."

Bucio is counted on for his stingy defensive play, though he can fill other roles when called upon.

"He's very good one-on-one, has very quick feet, reads the game very well," said Adams. "He's got such a great work ethic and is very determined. If he gets beat, he's flying back. You can see him processing just trying to learn to get better every day. He's very consistent, which makes my life easier.

"And he's someone we can put in the Mr. Fix-It role."

Bucio began playing soccer at the age of seven in Easton and was a forward growing up in town leagues and on travel teams.

When he got to Oliver Ames, Bucio was shifted around in the lineup before taking over at center back during the state title season of '22.

"I would say I'm a versatile type of player,'' said Bucio.

Twenty-two games into his BSU career with more than 2 1/2 years to go, Bucio has made a favorable impression for the Bears, continuing his winning ways.

"No complaints from me about him," said Adams. "He came in last year and you never know about a freshman. You've got a lot going on. But he put the time in off the field as well as on the field. He goes a really good job.

"He's gaining confidence in himself and his teammates and he's going to get even better. He does all the little things you want. He wants to be the best he possibly can be. Sometimes people settle for just being average. That's not Hector."

The quest for a second straight MASCAC title begins this weekend and Bucio is looking forward to the chance to keep winning.

"We lost some key guys, but we have a lot of retuners back," he said. "The more experience we have helps and we're used to playing together. The goal is to get back to the NCAAs, win the MASCAC again."