Hempstead, NY - Hofstra redshirt sophomore Nikki Mennella is having a special start to her 2025 season and today she was recognized as the USA Lacrosse Magazine / USA Lacrosse National Player of the Week. 

Mennella is the first Hofstra player to earn the honor since Alyssa Parrella in February of 2021. 

She was also named the CAA Offensive Player of the Week on Monday and previously earned it on February 17. 

Mennella was a one-person wrecking crew as she influenced the game in every way - contributing eight points on five goals and three assists, while also adding 11 draw controls, two ground balls, and two caused turnovers. 

The hat trick was the third of the season (she has only played in three games) and 13th in the career for Mennella. Mennella's 11 draw controls broke her previous career-high of eight against Manhattan on February 14, 2025. It was the most by a Pride player since Kerry Walser had 12 against Drexel on April 27, 2024. 

She led Hofstra in goals, assists, points, draw controls, and ground balls in the game - and ranked second in caused turnovers.

How spectacular has Mennella been in her three games so far this season? She has 24 points in three games with seven against Long Island, nine versus Marist, and eight on Saturday against Fairfield. 

Mennella is closing in on 100 career points as she currently has 95 points on 65 goals and 30 assists. She would become the 22nd member of that club at Hofstra.