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Sessa, Wagner NFHCA DI Field Hockey Players of the Week

Oct 7, 2026 | 2026-2027, Division I, News

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  — Ashley Sessa, a senior forward from Northwestern University, and Avianna Wagner, a junior goalkeeper from Saint Joseph’s University, have been named this week’s NFHCA Division I Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. Sage Piekarski, a senior forward from Harvard University, and Natalie McKenna, a senior goalkeeper from the University of Connecticut, also received honorable mention nods for Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. The NFHCA Player of the Week program is sponsored by Wrappit Wrappit.

NFHCA Division I Offensive Player of the Week

Ashley Sessa, Northwestern University, Senior, Forward (Schwenksville, PA)

  • Recorded four goals and one assist for nine points during Northwestern’s 2-0 week.
  • Scored a hat trick in the Wildcats’ 6-1 road win at then-No. 15 Michigan.
  • Tallied the game-winning goal in both of Northwestern’s wins over Ohio State and Michigan.
  • Earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division I Defensive Player of the Week

Avianna Wagner, Saint Joseph’s University, Junior, Goalkeeper (Philadelphia, PA)​

  • Made 15 saves across two road games, allowing three goals over 121 minutes of action.
  • Turned away seven shots in Saint Joseph’s 5-1 conference win at Davidson.
  • Stopped eight shots, including a penalty stroke, to help the Hawks force overtime at third-ranked Duke.
  • Earned Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division I Honorable Mention

Offensive: Sage Piekarski, Harvard University, Senior, Forward (Concord, MA)

  • Totaled three goals and one assist in wins over Penn and then-No. 5 Wake Forest, assisting the tying goal and scoring the game-winner against the Demon Deacons.
  • Earned Ivy League Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Defensive: Natalie McKenna, University of Connecticut, Senior, Goalkeeper (Northport, NY)

  • Made eight saves and allowed two goals over 176 minutes as UConn earned shootout wins over Providence and then-No. 3 UMass, adding four shootout stops against the Minutewomen.
  • Earned BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week honors.

The NFHCA National Player of the Week program honors an offensive and defensive player of the week, in each division, throughout the season.