NEWARK, N.J. --- Freshman Corbin Reifschneider has been named the America East Women's Soccer Offensive Player and Rookie of the week, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.

The awards are the first America East accolades the Highlanders have received since joining the America East in July and are also the first career honors for Reifschneider.

The laurels also mark the first conference weekly awards for an NJIT women's soccer player since former Highlander Jessica Aseng was named ASUN Defensive Player of the Week on September 30. 2019.

In NJIT's 3-1 season opening victory over Drexel, Reifschneider scored two of the Highlanders' three goals, putting together the program's first multi-goal game since former Highlander Fiona Wright netted two goals against Rider on September 5, 2019 (W, 5-0).

Reifschneider's first goal came in the 29th minute at the end of a busy sequence for the Highlanders. Sophomore Bailey Chant's initial shot from 30 yards out bounced down off the crossbar towards the foot of graduate Lizzy Wolfe. Wolfe's rebound shot was blocked by Drexel's goalkeeper, ricocheted off Wolfe and bounced in front of Reifschneider, who calmly knocked it out of the air and into the net. 

Reifschneider would strike again roughly 15 minutes into the second half to add extra insurance to the Highlanders' 2-0 lead. A quick corner kick gave senior Christine Conaghy a crossing opportunity from the left side of the box and Reifschneider used her height to head the ball to the lower left corner with ease.

Cat Sheppard of New Hampshire rounded out the America East awards as the Defensive Player of the Week.

NJIT will return to Lubetkin Field on Thursday, February 25 with a non-conference contest against La Salle. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.