SOMERSET, NJ – The NEC announced its selections for weekly field hockey honors and Valeria Perales was selected as both the NEC Offensive Player and Rookie of the Week. In addition to Perales, both Indy Zoontjens and Kaitlyn Tomas were named NEC Prime Performers. It is the second time this season that Perales pulled off the double and claimed both awards.
 
Perales continued the hot start to her freshman season, scoring the Broncs' first goal Friday against Drexel, deflecting a shot from a corner by the Dragons' goalie. The Spaniard then assisted on Rider's game-tying goal late in the third quarter, a goal that would force overtime. In the Broncs' 4-0 win over Georgetown, Perales scored Rider's second and fourth goals, while assisting on the third. For the season, Perales leads the NEC and ranks fourth in the country with nine goals. Her 1.12 goals per game ranks second nationally.
 
Zoontjens has now scored a goal in three-straight games after scoring the game-tying goal against Drexel, then added a pair of goals with an assist against Georgetown. Zoontjens recorded her first game-winning goal in the victory over the Hoyas.
 
In net, Tomas started the week with a career-high 10 saves against Drexel. Then, against Georgetown, Tomas made eight saves en route to her seventh career shutout. For the season, Tomas ranks 14^th in the country in save percentage at .780.
 
Rider returns to action on Friday when the Broncs open NEC play at Saint Francis (PA) with a 4:30 p.m. start.