WATERVILLE, Maine – University of Maine at Farmington first-year standout Owen Spera (Gorham, Maine) has been named both the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week, the conference office announced Tuesday evening.

Spera made a storybook collegiate debut on Sunday against Nichols College, recording a hat trick in just 21 minutes of game time to lead the Beavers to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Bison.

After Nichols took an early lead within the first 10 minutes, Spera leveled the score by splitting two Bison defenders and finishing one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He slotted a shot into the side netting for his first collegiate goal.

He struck again later in the half, tying the game at 2-2 by winning an aerial cross into the box and heading it past the Nichols keeper for his second of the day.

Spera completed his hat trick by giving UMF a 3-2 lead, latching onto a through ball that slipped behind the defense and calmly placing a low shot into the bottom corner.

The conference honors cap off a historic week for Spera, who joins a select group of UMF athletes to earn both Player and Rookie of the Week honors in the same week.

Spera and the Beavers return to action on Wednesday afternoon, hosting the University of Maine at Fort Kent in their home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.