College Field Hockey
Rider's Govannicci NEC Rookie of the Week

SOMERSET--Freshman Alicia Govannicci (Springfield, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara) of the Rider University field hockey team was named the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week for all games played the first week of the season it was announced Monday afternoon.

"I was excited to receive the recognition," Govannicci said.  "My teammates have been really supportive of me, making the transition to the college game."

At La Salle on August 29, Govannicci, a 5-0 forward, broke a 1-1 tie at the 27:00 minute mark, deflecting a shot by junior Virginia Egusquiza (Getxo, Spain) to give Rider (1-0) a one-goal lead in the eventual 4-1 win.

"We're happy that Alicia got off to such a great start," said head coach Lori Hussong, in her 11th season at Rider.  "She is working hard and improving everyday and she is going to be a big part of our offensive attack this year."

"I knew the adjustment to the college level would be difficult but the leadership on the team has been great," Govannicci added.  "That has helped make the transition that much easier."

Govannicci had three shots and logged 40 minutes in her collegiate debut against the Explorers.

In the 11 seasons under Hussong, this is the 34th time that Rider has had a conference Rookie of the Week honoree with a Bronc earning the award seven times last season.

"Dan (assistant coach and husband Dan Hussong) has targeted a specific type of player that we feel will be successful at Rider," Lori Hussong added about the rookie recognition year after year by the conference.  "He is bringing in players that not only have skill but are hungry and aggressive and intense and play our style of game."

Rider hosts Colgate on September 4 at noon in the first field hockey game at the new turf field on the Lawrenceville, New Jersey campus.

-RU-