Bridgewater, N.J. – Freshman forward Emma Sousa (East Longmeadow, Mass./East Longmeadow) has been named the NEC Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week, as announced by the conference on Monday.

Sousa played 21 minutes against Iona on Sunday, making an instant impact. The Dolphins earned a free kick with just over three minutes remaining in the game roughly 25 yards from the Gaels goal. Sousa stepped up to take the free kick, curling the ball up and over the wall and finding the back of the net.

Sousa's free kick was the first goal of the 2026 season for the 'Phins, and the first under head coach Taylor Van Fleet.

The Dolphins are back in action on Thursday against the Purple Eagles of Niagara. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 P.M.