Bridgewater, N.J. – Ryan Rivera has been named this season's first NEC Baseball Player of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday.
 
Rivera led LIU with a .417 average, driving in a team-high five RBI while hitting one home run and one double as the Sharks opened up the season with three games vs. San Diego State this past weekend.
 
Also receiving recognition for LIU was Nick Matson, who was named an NEC Prime Performer. He hit .400 over the course of three games, including team-highs of six hits and four runs scored. Matson also had three RBI and hit a double.
 
Rivera, Matson, and the Sharks will return to play on Friday, Feb. 20, visiting Jacksonville at 6 p.m.