NEW PALTZ, NY – Zoey Manzo of the SUNY New Paltz women's soccer team has been named the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Rookie of the Week, becoming the first Hawk in program history to earn the distinction, as announced by the conference office Monday.
The standout first-year defender has established herself as a cornerstone of the Hawks' backline throughout their inaugural NJAC campaign, helping SUNY New Paltz secure consecutive shutout victories during its final full week of regular-season competition.
Manzo has made an immediate impact in her first collegiate season, consistently matching up against opposing teams' top attacking threats while providing a commanding presence in central defense. Her composure on the ball, ability to distribute out of the back and awareness across the pitch have also played an integral role in initiating the Hawks' offensive opportunities.
The Niskayuna native played all 180 minutes across two conference victories last week, anchoring a defensive unit that did not concede a goal. Against William Paterson Wednesday, Manzo helped limit the Pioneers to just one shot on goal as SUNY New Paltz cruised to a 4-0 victory in its regular-season home finale.
She followed with another complete performance against Stockton Saturday, helping the Hawks hold the Ospreys to just three shots in a pivotal 1-0 road victory. The result secured SUNY New Paltz's berth in the NJAC Tournament in its first season as a member of the conference.
Beyond her defensive responsibilities, Manzo has demonstrated the ability to influence play throughout the midfield, connecting passes, maintaining possession and helping the Hawks transition into the attacking third.
Manzo and SUNY New Paltz conclude their regular-season NJAC slate Wednesday, Oct. 28, when they visit Ramapo for a 3 p.m. matchup.
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