SOMERSET, N.J. -- Freshman goalkeeper Malene Nielsen continues the strong start to her first year with the Burgundy and Blue, as she earned the NEC Defensive Player of the Week award for the second straight week, and the NEC Rookie of the Week for the third week in a row, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday afternoon. 

On Thursday evening, Nielsen helmed the Knights for their third consecutive double-overtime shutout, and second win of the three matches. Nielsen made six saves, including a superb double save, to keep the match level and allow junior, and NEC Prime Performer honoree for the week, Naemi Hausen, the opportunity to score the winning goal in double overtime.  

On Sunday afternoon, despite the FDU defeat, Nielsen shone with five saves in the match and carried her scoreless streak into the match. The streak snapped with the Columbia goal, however the streak extended through five separate matches and extended 339 minutes.  

Nielsen is currently the NEC leader in shutouts with three and is tied for the conference lead in saves with 43. She is the only Knight to have played every minute of every match this season.  

Nielsen is the first NEC women's soccer player in nearly five years to earn three consecutive Rookie of the Week honors. In addition, she is the first player in nearly three years to earn back-to-back Defensive Player of the Week honors. 

On his freshman keeper, head coach Eric Teepe said, "Malene has shown consistent growth week to week, and hopefully now she will be ready to help us through a tough NEC schedule."

The Knights are back in action on Sunday, September 19, as they open NEC play against Saint Francis U (Pa.) at 12 p.m. right here at University Stadium. The match will also be streamed live on NEC Front Row.