HENNIKER, N.H. - New England College junior forward Cristina Manzi (Peapack, N.J.) of the NEC field hockey team was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Player of the Week for the week ending on October 20th.  

Manzi had an incredibly effective and impactful week for the 'Grims, willing the team to a 2-0 record with wins over Rivier and Simmons. On Wednesday, the team's matchup against the Raiders was knotted up at 3-3 and seemed destined for overtime, but Manzi scored the game-winning goal with 0:00 on the clock to give the 'Grims the walk-off win. On Saturday, the Pilgrims faced off against second-ranked Simmons in a battle of top four teams in the GNAC standings. The game remained scoreless until midway through the fourth quarter when Manzi once again played hero; Manzi scored her second game-winning goal of the week to out-duel the Sharks, 1-0. 

"Cristina was the definition of the word 'clutch' this past week," said head coach Carly Sweeney. "She faced looming pressure head-on and did her job when the team needed it most." 

Manzi has already set career-bests this season with eight goals and 20 points. The junior has also elevated her play against GNAC competition this year, scoring six of her eight goals against conference opponents and having scored a goal in three of her last four games. 

With Manzi's two game-winning goals, the 'Grims find themselves tied with Simmons and just a half-game behind Colby-Sawyer for the second spot in the standings. With just three games to go, NEC will look to keep their four-game winning streak alive as they travel to Weston, Massachusetts on Tuesday for a late-night matchup against Regis College. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.