The New Jersey Athletic Conference revealed its weekly award winners for the week ending September 6, 2026, recognizing three student‑athletes who distinguished themselves in field hockey. The honors, announced on Monday, underscore the competitive depth of the league and celebrate individual excellence that contributes to team success.
Award Recipients
Ali Stoner of Kean University was honored as the first Offensive Player of the Week for the 2026 season after a prolific stretch that included five goals and two assists. Her performance helped the team secure a perfect 2‑0 record, highlighted by a 6‑1 victory over Wilkes in which she contributed two goals and an assist, and a tightly contested 6‑5 win against Drew where she added three goals and a further assist.
Delfina Vanelli from Stockton University earned the Defensive Player of the Week distinction for her career‑best display between the posts. She posted a .909 save percentage in a 1‑0 triumph over Salisbury and recorded a shutout in a 5‑0 win over Arcadia, making 20 saves across three matches and maintaining a 0.69 goals‑against average. Her consistency between the pipes exemplified the defensive resilience the conference values.
Olivia Ent of Montclair State University was named Rookie of the Week after scoring her first collegiate goal in double overtime against Wilkes, a moment that also produced an assist and earned her three points total. The decisive goal capped a thrilling comeback and illustrated the immediate impact she has made since joining the program.
Together, these athletes illustrate the breadth of talent within the New Jersey Athletic Conference, from veteran leaders driving offensive momentum to emerging defenders and newcomers shaping the future of the sport. Their achievements not only earn personal accolades but also elevate the profile of their respective institutions as the season progresses.