DAHLONEGA – No. 5 University of North Georgia (UNG) women's soccer sophomore forward Blanca Cruz has been named the Division 2 Conference Information Directors Association (D2CIDA) Women's Soccer National Player of the Week.

The sophomore forward from Snellville, Ga., played a key role in leading the fifth-ranked Nighthawks to a 2-0-0 road trip, scoring three goals across two matches.

Cruz delivered the game-winning goal in a 2-1 midweek victory at Flagler, finding the back of the net unassisted in the 69th minute. 

The second-year Nighthawk then scored twice in UNG's 4-0 win at USC Aiken, tallying goals in the 38th and 75th minutes. 

Cruz scored her three goals this week off seven total shots and five shots on goal, while averaging just 42.5 minutes on the pitch. She has now scored four goals in the last three games.

Through eight matches this season, Cruz is tied for the Peach Belt Conference lead in goals (5), game-winning goals (2) and points (12). She also shares the team lead in all three categories.

National Players of the Week are selected by a volunteer committee of Division II Conference Information Directors from a pool of nominations submitted by conference offices.

Cruz is the first player in program history to be named a National Player of the Week since Rachel Van Horn in 2016. She is the first player ever to earn the honor from the D2CIDA. 

Cruz has now completed the trifecta after being named Nighthawk of the Week, PBC Player of the Week and D2CIDA National Player of the Week for her performances last week.

Cruz and the Nighthawks return to the field this week with their biggest game of the season. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, UNG faces No. 18 Columbus State who is coming off a trip to the NCAA Final Four a year ago. Both teams look to remain undefeated in conference play during Wednesday's top-25 showdown. Kick off takes place at 5 p.m.