On Sunday the phrase “step up” got a new meaning. Sure, the Northeastern women’s soccer team, in first place, was playing the last place Albany Great Danes, but Sunday’s game was for more than just a better chance of home field advantage. It was senior day for the Huskies and junior forward Jess Pfeifer wanted to make the day special for her senior teammates.

“It was an emotional day for everybody,” said Pfeifer. “I live with three of the seniors and they’re my best friends here.”

Pfeifer, who said she was fueled by words from injured senior defender Andi Matthews, scored three goals in Sunday’s 4-0 win and has been named The Northeastern News Player of the Week.

Although it was her first career hat trick, NU coach Ed Matz said he was not surprised she netted three goals in the win.

“[Pfeifer] has the ability to have those games more often than not,” Matz said. “No one can stop her crosses.”

The Newton native now has five goals for the season, one short of her career high that she set as a freshman in 2002. A three-year starter, Pfeifer has not only been the team’s second-leading scorer this year, she has been one of the most dependable players in the clutch.

She assisted on the game winner in overtime against Florida Atlantic on Aug. 29 and helped the Huskies salvage a crucial America East point when she tied the game against University of Hartford in the second half on Oct. 3.

For her efforts, Pfeifer was honored by the AE, being named the conferences co-player of the week along with Boston University junior Meghann Cook. Cook and Pfeifer played together before college with the Boston Bolts, one of the top 10 club programs in the nation.

Pfeifer and the rest of her team will look to continue their roll on the road against the University of Maryland – Baltimore County and Binghamton University.

— by staff writer Max Lederman