SOMERSET, N.J. -- Freshman forward Aitana Martínez-Montoya was named NEC Rookie of the Week by the Northeast Conference's office on Tuesday afternoon. The Spanish forward scored the game-winning goal in double-overtime against Wagner in a 2-1 victory, her sixth goal in six NEC matches at the time. 

On Thursday night at Wagner, Martínez-Montoya logged five shots, including the crucial goal to send FDU back to Teaneck with all three points. The match was Martínez-Montoya's fourth consecutive match in which she scored a goal, and she logged 84 minutes played in the match. Against Bryant, on Sunday afternoon, she logged a full 90 minutes, her second of her collegiate career, and logged three shots, challenging the keeper with her lone shot on goal. The Bryant match marked her sixth game in her last seven matches in which she recorded at least three shots in the match. 

The accolade is Martínez-Montoya's third in two weeks, and her second consecutive NEC Rookie of the Week honor, joining fellow freshman Malene Nielsen as having won the award in back-to-back weeks. The pair earning this award in back-to-back weeks makes this FDU side the first in conference history to have a pair of back-to-back Rookie of the Week honorees in the same season. Martínez-Montoya earned NEC Player of the Week honors last week for her three goals in two matches, including a brace against Sacred Heart, and one against Central Connecticut State.

The award is another stamp for the newcomer to the league, as she continues to impress with her skills. With seven goals over the season, she currently sits second in the conference. She also sits second in the conference in shots (47) and third in total points (15). Head Coach Eric Teepe has praised his forward for acclimating to collegiate game, especially as of late.

Martínez-Montoya and the Knights are back in action on the road on Sunday, October 24, at 11 a.m. against St. Francis Brooklyn.