NEC Offensive Player of the Week: Natalie McGivern, WAG
NEC Defensive Player of the Week: Payton Rahn, FFD
NEC Rookie of the Week: Tess Termars, LIU
Previous NEC Releases: September 3 |
Preseason Poll Release
NEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Natalie McGivern, Wagner
Jr., F/M, West Deptford, NJ/West Deptford
McGivern found the back of the cage three times last week for the Seahawks. On Friday night, Wagner was locked in a scoreless stalemate at Lehigh until the third quarter where McGivern notched two goals just four minutes apart to give the Seahawks a 2-0 advantage heading into the final frame. After finishing a Wagner chance for her first score, the New Jersey native converted her second off a fastbreak assist from Floortje Leunisse. The Seahawks held off the Patriot League foe to win the game by the same score. The junior added her third goal of the week in a Sunday afternoon matinee against Vermont. McGivern is currently tied for the league-lead in points (six) and goals (three).
NEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Payton Rahn, Fairfield
Gr., GK, Orange, CT/Amity
Rahn anchored the Fairfield defense during a 2-0 week for the defending NEC champion Stags. The graduate student secured her first shutout of the season - and ninth of her career - while making six saves in a 5-0 win against Lehigh. Rahn stopped at least one shot in three of the four frames, with three of her saves coming the third quarter. The veteran keeper allowed just two goals through 120 minutes in front of the cage to finish the weekend with a 1.00 GAA. Rahn also posted a .750 save percentage over the two contests. This marks Rahn’s fifth career NEC Defensive Player of the Week award and first since October 31, 2023.
NEC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Tess Termars, LIU
Fr., F, Wateringen, Netherlands/Haags Montessori Lyceum
It was a memorable weekend in the early stages of Termars’ career as the freshman forward record her first career goal and assist for the Sharks. The Netherlands native scored her first career goal on the road against Yale last Friday. Termars continued to shine when LIU visited in-state rival Columbia two days later. After the Lions jumped out to 1-0 lead, the Sharks stormed back as Termars scored off a rebound to tie the game. Just three minutes later, Termars fired a pass from the top left wing to set up Lotte Haagmans for the score to secure a 2-1 lead. However, LIU could not hold off Columbia's late comeback effort as the Lions prevailed, 3-2.
NEC PRIME PERFORMERS
Pilar Mengotti, Sr., D, FFD
Scored two goals in Fairfield's 5-2 victory over Villanova. Mengotti is tied for the league lead in goals (three) and points (six) on the young season.
Payton Rahn, Gr., GK, FFD
Named NEC Offensive Player of the Week.
Alex Senior, Sr., F, FFD
Found the back of the cage once in each game in a 2-0 weekend for the Stags. Totaled four points on the weekend.
Tess Termars, Fr., F, LIU
Tabbed NEC Rookie of the Week.
Celia Benson, So., M, SHU
Netted the game-winning goal in double overtime on Friday against Georgetown. Scored in the 76th minute to secure a 3-2 win over the Hoyas.
Blaire Sparks, Jr., M, SHU
Scored twice in Sacred Heart's 3-2 win against Georgetown, including the game-tying goal with five seconds left to force overtime.
Mia DiGenova, Jr., GK, SFU
Posted her second shutout of the 2025 campaign with three saves in the Red Flash's 2-0 win at La Salle. Totaled seven saves in a 1-1 week for SFU while allowing just three goals. Finished the weekend with a .700 save percentage and a 1.50 GAA.
Natalie McGivern, Jr., F/M, WAG
Selected as NEC Offensive Player of the Week.
Saar van Dalen, So., GK, WAG
Finished the weekend with a .750 save percentage and a 1.50 GAA, while making nine saves and allowing just three goals in a Wagner split. Recorded her first shutout of the year with a five-save performance in the Seahawks' 2-0 win at Lehigh.
2025 NEC FIELD HOCKEY WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
NEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sept. 3: Semra Said, RID
Sept. 9: Natalie MvGivern, WAG
NEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sept. 3: Jade Regnart, RID
Sept. 9: Payton Rahn, FFD
NEC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Sept. 3: Morgan Smeltz, SFU
Sept. 9: Tess Termars, LIU