Hempstead, NY - Hofstra freshman goalie Luchianna Cardello was named the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced by the conference office this afternoon. 

This is the first-ever weekly award from the league for Cardello. 

Cardello had a strong week in net for the Pride. 

Cardello got it started with a spectacular performance on Tuesday in the Pride's 15-2 win over Wagner. Cardello posted nine saves in the contest and was shutting out the Seahawks until way into the third quarter. She earned the win in just her second career start. 

On Sunday, Cardello was magnificent in net as she was a key figure as the Pride nearly upset #20 USC. Cardello posted a season-high 13 saves and added a pair of ground balls in the contest. 

For the week she played all 120 minutes and had 22 saves, a 5.50 goals against average, and a .667 save percentage. 

Her 13 saves against USC were the most for a Pride freshman since Jess Smith had 13 against Towson on May 3, 2019.