Lawrenceville, NJ – Rider University freshmen field hockey players Lena Vandam (Brasschaat, Belgium) and Brittany Romanczuk (Washington, NJ/Notre Dame) were honored by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) with weekly awards as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon. Vandam was tabbed as the MAAC Defensive Player of the Week and Romanczuk was named the MAAC Rookie of the Week.

It was the third time this season that Vandam has brought home Defensive Player of the Week honors, while Romanczuk's weekly distinction was the first of her young career. In total, four Bronc first-year players have been recognized by the league this fall. It marked the second time in 2017 that Rider had both the Rookie of the Week and the Defensive Player of the Week.

"Lena continues to play at a very high level and gain valuable experience," Rider Head Coach Lori Hussong said. "She holds herself accountable for her play and is quick to learn from her mistakes."

Vandam posted her fourth shutout of the season last week for Rider. In a MAAC victory versus Sacred Heart, she turned aside three shots to keep the Broncs playoff hopes alive. In conference play, Vandam has a conference-leading 0.81 goals-against average to go along with a .692 save percentage. To close out the week, Vandam registered eight saves in an overtime contest at Villanova. For the season, she is 8-8 in the cage with a 1.43 goals-against average, 79 saves and a .775 save percentage.

"Brittany had a breakthrough week for us as she is playing with so much confidence and determination," Hussong added. "She is improving each time out and helping our team progress forward."

Romanczuk recorded five points as the Broncs went 1-1 last week. In a 3-0 MAAC win versus Sacred Heart, Romanczuk scored two goals, including the game-winner. She capped the week with her first career assist in a non-conference setback at Villanova. Romanczuk became the third Bronc rookie to record a multi-goal game this season. The markers against the Pioneers were the first of her season and career. Her first goal came just 54 seconds into the game versus SHU and gave the Broncs the early momentum. She would later add insurance for Rider in the second half by converting a penalty stroke.

Rider returns to action on Friday, October 27, with a home non-conference clash against Lock Haven that is slated to begin at 4:30 pm. The last three games between the Broncs and the Bald Eagles have all been decided by one goal. To follow live stats and video for the game visit the field hockey schedule page on GoBroncs.com.