Freshman forward Kayla Pifer (State College, PA - pictured) was named the Colonial Athletic Association Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week, it was announced today by the conference office.

Pifer scored the game-winning goal in the ninth minute of the Pride's 3-0 win over Northeastern in its regular season finale on Thursday, Nov. 1. The win improved Hofstra's record to 15-3 overall and 9-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association, earning it the second seed in the upcoming CAA Tournament. The Pride will receive an opening round bye and face the winner of Tuesday's game between third-seeded James Madison and sixth-seeded George Mason.

Pifer scored her goal on a brilliant piece of individual skill. She made a diagonal run into the box from the left sideline, where she received a long pass from the midfield area from sophomore defender Jess Crankshaw (Lanoka Harbor, NJ). Pifer got the ball and chipped it over the head of a Northeastern defender and into the center of the penalty area. She then ran around to the other side of the defender and slipped an eight-yard shot into the empty net just before she collided with onrushing Northeastern goalkeeper Annie Petrofsky.

It was the second goal of the season for Pifer, both of which have been game-winners. She also tallied the Pride's third goal in a 5-2 win over Fairleigh Dickinson on Sept. 16, and had the game-winning assist in overtime of a 2-1 win over George Mason on Sept. 30.

Prior to Hofstra, Pifer played for four years at State College High School, where she led her team in scoring all four seasons, finishing inished her career with 63 goals. She was a three-time first team all-conference selection, helping the Little Lions to four MAC conference championships and four appearances in the district finals, including one district championship in 2004. State College compiled a combined 51-10-12 record over her four scholastic seasons.