SOMERSET, N.J. -- The Northeast Conference office announced on Thursday afternoon that six FDU Knights earned All-NEC honors, with two earning individual honors.  

FDU saw four women named as First Team All-NEC honorees: Aitana Martínez-Montoya, Malene Nielsen, Christa Waterman, and Naemi Hausen. Two additional women, Paula Ruess and Madelyn Robbins, were named as Second Team All-NEC honorees. Martínez-Montoya and Nielsen would also be named to the All-Rookie Team. 

Aitana Martínez-Montoya earned the NEC's Rookie of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year honors, while Malene Nielsen earned the NEC's Goalkeeper of the Year.  

Martínez-Montoya made a significant impact in the Knights attack, cementing that influence with her first collegiate goal in the 1-0 double-overtime victory in the home opener against Seton Hall. Her six shots on the day remain a career high, and the goal would be the first of three game-winners in this season.  

Martínez-Montoya would follow up that first goal against Seton Hall with seven goals in NEC play, leading the conference in the metric while also logging the second most in-conference points with 15. The attacker's peak patch of form was between 9/30-10/14 when she would log five goals in four games – including both goals in a 2-0 win against Sacred Heart, the opening goal of the match against Central Connecticut State, and another double-overtime winner on the road against Wagner.  

The freshman has logged eight goals and an assist over the season, for a total of 17 points. One of three Knights to have started in all 18 matches to this point, Martínez-Montoya has logged 1,464 minutes over the season. She leads the team in goals, points, shots (56), shots on goal (31), and game-winning goals (3).  

On the successes of Martínez-Montoya, Teepe said, "Aitana had shown she can attack you in so many ways and I think she still has room to grow beyond this year." 

Nielsen started the first match in net and has remained a staple in the Knights defense. The lone Knight to play in every minute of every game, Nielsen has logged 1,773 minutes of action over the 18 matches this season. At one point sitting second in the NCAA in shutouts earned, Nielsen finished the season with eight shutouts, leading the NEC, including five over an eight-game stretch that included making seven saves against Seton Hall in a 1-0 double-overtime win. 

Nielsen's shutouts have been even more impressive when considering the fact that of those eight, five came in matches that entered double-overtime, including three scoreless draws in which Nielsen made vital saves to keep the Knights level. With a goals against average of 1.01 and a save percentage of 81.5% (both second in the conference) and logging 88 saves (third in the conference), Nielsen served as a vital cog in the Knights defensive machine.  

For his goalkeeper's performance, Teepe would note, "With Malene she stepped in right away and provided guidance on the field and a high level of confidence in her play. We are lucky to have them both and are excited for them to help lead us in the playoffs and in the future." 

On the accolades of his two freshmen stars, Head Coach Eric Teepe said, "These two players have had a tremendous effect on our season and their impact have helped our team on and off the field." 

In addition to the two individual award earners, the four All-NEC Team members played vital roles in the success of the the Knights this season.  

Christa Waterman played a vital role in the Knights defense that kept eight clean sheets over the course of the regular season. Waterman joins an exclusive club of Knights in being selected to the First Team All-NEC in three seasons, becoming the first Knight since Rachel Hoekstra in 2015 to do so. Waterman also logged the game-winning goal in the victory over Central Connecticut State. She played 1,487 minutes, playing the full match on nine occasions, and ending the regular season on a stretch of playing the full match in eight of the final nine matches. 

On the contributions of Waterman, Teepe would say, "Christa has remained a rock for us in the back. Teams play away from her because she is so hard to beat and she is always a huge threat on any set piece." 

Naemi Hausen followed up her stellar sophomore season with her first career First Team All-NEC honor. Hausen finished the season with the second-most points (10) and goals (four), and equaled the top on the team in game-winning goals with three. Hausen sent the Knights home as winners in double overtime on two separate occasions, the first coming on 9/9 against Stony Brook, and the second coming in a crucial conference battle in a 2-1 victory over Mount St. Mary's which clinched an NEC Tournament spot for the Knights. 

On the midfielder, Teepe said, "Naemi has been such a strong player for us on the ball. Her soccer IQ is excellent and she can break you down in so many ways." 

Madelyn Robbins earned a spot on an All-NEC Team for the second consecutive year, earning a bid to the Second Team All-NEC. The senior leader for the Knights provided crucial leadership for the side throughout the season while also serving as a constant on the pitch. She is one of two outfield players for the Knights to have started in all 18 games this season, and she is level with Gina Steiner for the team lead in assists with four. Her set piece delivery provided the Knights attack with a massive spark in the attack, and the Knights won in each game that Robbins was able to provide an assist. 

On Robbins and her style of play, Teepe would say, "Maddie just amazes us with her relentless play. She is constantly going at you and plays both sides of the ball at such a high level. She is such a key central player for us." 

Paula Ruess earned her second consecutive Second Team All-NEC nod after a key season as one of the centerpieces of the Knights defense. A starter in 17 matches and able to slot in at midfield or center back, Ruess was able to assist in the Knights playing how they wanted to with their technical stylings, and her ability to play out from the back of the pitch made her invaluable in defense for the side. Setting a career high in minutes played, Ruess continued to build off her successful junior season with an outstanding senior year with the Burgundy and Blue.  

On Ruess, Teepe said, "Paula has raised her game another level this year. Always a tough player to get in behind she now has become a force with possession coming out of the back. Our defensive game wouldn't be the same without her." 

The Knights are back in action on Friday, November 5, at 4 p.m. in the NEC Tournament Semifinals as they take on Sacred Heart in New Britain, Conn., at CCSU Soccer Field.