Pitman, NJ- Announced on Monday afternoon by the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) office, Montclair State University athletics saw four of its student-athletes nab NJAC Athlete of the Week awards for their performances between November 2 and 8.
 
Volleyball received two awards this week, with BRYN BAUTISTA being named NJAC Player of the Week, while ALEENA WHITEHEAD was named NJAC Defensive Player of the Week. For football, RYAN DOUGHERTY earned NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week, while men's basketball's MATT MIKULKA received NJAC Rookie of the Week. 
 
Bautista was stellar during a 2-1 week for the Red Hawks in the final matches of the regular season. She finished the week with 39 kills (3.90 per set), 38 digs (3.80 per set), five assists, four service aces, and two blocks. She had a double-double kill-dig ratio in all three matches this week, including a 17-kill, 12-dig performance in a 3-0 win over Union.
 
Whitehead fantastically finished the regular season, totaling 53 digs in the week. She was led by a 26-dig performance against nationally ranked Stevens on Saturday. 
 
Dougherty was efficient in his half of work at quarterback during a 75-0 rout of Vermont State Castleton on Saturday. He came in during the second half and went 11-for-14 for 162 yards with one touchdown. 
 
Mikulka had a strong weekend performance in his first taste of collegiate ball for the Red Hawks. He averaged 12 points a game in two contests, along with four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. 
 
Bautista earned her first weekly award of the season and her third all-time. Whitehead set a program record with her fourth NJAC Defensive Player of the Week title, surpassing a tie with Kaitlyn Irwin, Danielle Olcese, and Maddie Valko, who all had three in a season. Dougherty and Mikulka both received their first-ever weekly recognition from the NJAC.