Loretto, Pa. - Women's soccer's Emma Sawich and Anouk Landgraff won Northeast Conference (NEC) Defensive Player of the Week and NEC Rookie of the Week respectively for their efforts in the opening week of the 2024 campaign, the conference announced on Monday.  

Sawich, Landgraff and Mercedez Paino were all named NEC Prime Performers as well. 

Sawich had an excellent start to her senior season this week. The McMurray, Pa., native made a combined eight saves, several of which were crucial to Saint Francis starting the season unbeaten. Sawich made five saves against Niagara, including an incredible jumping save that bounced off the crossbar and out of play in the 65th minute. She also made back-to-back saves in the final five minutes to keep the Red Flash in front. 

Against Iona, Sawich held a clean sheet and made three saves. One of those saves was a stellar effort on a point-blank chance by Iona's Payton Foster.  

It is the first NEC weekly award of Sawich's career. 

Landgraff made an instant impact for the Red Flash in her first collegiate game against Niagara on Aug. 15. The freshman from Washington Boro, Pa., put Saint Francis ahead of the Purple Eagles in the 68th minute to cap off a come from behind victory and earn the Red Flash their first win in a season opener since 2012.  

The freshman also logged significant minutes off the bench as a winger for Saint Francis in their home opener against Iona. 

Paino, an NEC All-Rookie Team selection last season, scored the opening goal of the 2024 campaign for Saint Francis with a chip shot goal to draw the Red Flash level against Niagara. 

The sophomore from Langhorne, Pa., is already halfway to her 2023 goal total and has been a consistent threat to goal throughout the first week of the season. Paino has registered four shots. 

Saint Francis is back in action on Aug. 22 when they visit Youngstown State for a Thursday night matchup. Kick off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.