BRIDGEWATER, N.J. -  FDU Freshman relief pitcher Chris Messina was named as the NEC Pitcher of the Week in this week's release from the conference. Sophomore Hunter Ray, junior Jimmy Mantuano, and senior Diego Urreta were given a prime performer nod after their performance in Boiling Springs, N.C. this past weekend.

Messina in his first collegiate appearance took the ball for FDU with the Knights ahead 4-0 on Opening Day on the road against Gardner Webb. Messina shut down the Runnin' Bulldogs, delivering five scoreless innings, only surrendering one hit, while also striking out four batters. That performance was good for the first NEC Pitcher of the Week Award of Messina's career. 

Ray was one of the three other Knights to receive an award in the weekly release, as the sophomore hit an even .600 (6-for-10) in the opening three games for FDU. Ray scored two runs over the weekend, and also walked four times, and he currently leads the NEC in on base percentage at .714. 

Mantuano was also tabbed as a prime performer after his performance this week, as he hit .444 (4-for-9) in the opening three games for FDU. Mantuano also scored three runs and stole a base over the weekend. 

Urreta was the final Knight to receive a prime performer, as he currently sits as the team's RBI leader with five. In addition to those five RBI's, Urreta walked five times and stole a base as well. Urreta is also second on the club in batting average, as he is hitting an even .500 after the first trio of games.