Riley Jones Named America East Rookie of the Week

Published: Monday, October 17, 2022

For the second time this year, NJIT women's soccer has picked up an America East weekly award in back-to-back weeks.

Freshman Riley Jones has been named the America East Rookie of the Week, the league announced Monday morning. The award is NJIT's fourth weekly accolade of the season, following Ciara Adams' and Molly Saylor's early season recognition in consecutive weeks and fellow newcomer Briana Andreoli's Rookie honor last week. 

Jones, a native of Clinton, N.Y., scored her first career goal in her home state to help the Highlanders earn a tie against UAlbany on October 16. After making her collegiate debut against Hartford on September 8, Jones has seen the pitch in each of the last five contests, including three straight starts. Jones' playing time has increased with every outing - from nine against Hartford to back-to-back full 90 minute games against UMBC and at UAlbany. In her first start against Delaware State, Jones made one of the two assists on what was the eventual game-winner for the Highlanders in their 4-0 shutout of the Hornets.

Jones' award is the first America East weekly honor of her career, NJIT's third-ever Rookie of the Week award, and the 11th overall honor for the program since joining the America East in July 2020.

Ella Dudley of UNH (Offensive) and Kira Kutzinski of Maine (Defensive) earned this week's other awards.

NJIT will return to action and host its Senior Day on Sunday, Oct. 23 against reigning champion Vermont.

NJIT AMERICA EAST WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
All Time: Offensive - 3 | Defensive - 5 | Rookie - 3

2022
Oct. 17 - Riley Jones, Rookie of the Week
Oct. 10 - Briana Andreoli, Rookie of the Week
Aug. 29 - Molly Saylor, Defensive Player of the Week
Aug. 22 - Ciara Adams, Offensive Player of the Week

2021
Oct. 25 - Madison Taibl, Defensive Player of the Week
Oct. 18 - Molly Saylor, Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 7 - Bailey Chant, Offensive Player of the Week
Sept. 7 - Siani Magruder, Defensive Player of the Week

2020
Mar. 2 - Molly Saylor, Defensive Player of the Week
Feb. 23 - Corbin Reifschneider, Offensive Player of the Week
Feb. 23 - Corbin Reifschneider, Rookie of the Week