Moon Township, Pa. - Robert Morris University freshman thrower Estelle Katende was named the Northeast Conference Field Athlete of the Week and the NEC Rookie of the Week, her second time winning both awards this season.

Katende has broken the 14.00m barrier at every meet so far this season. Making it a perfect 5-for-5, the rookie shot putter sent the implement 14.05m (46' 1.25") while competing at the SPIRE DI Indoor Classic. The distance, which is 55 centimeters better than the automatic qualifying standard for the ECAC Championships, was good enough for eighth place in a loaded field at the SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio. Set to contest the NEC Indoor Championships as the No. 1 seed, Katende ranks 15th overall on the ECAC regional leader board by virtue of the seasonal best she registered at the Youngstown State Icebreaker in December.

Katende and the Colonials will compete at the NEC Championships in Staten Island, N.Y., this Friday and Saturday, February 16 and 17.