BANKS HONORED AS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DURHAM, N.H. - For the second time in as many weeks, Chris Banks (Westborough, Mass.), a senior forward on the University of New Hampshire men's soccer team, earned America East Player of the Week honors Monday afternoon.

Banks tallied a goal and an assist to lead the Wildcats to a pair of wins over the University of Hartford and the University of Vermont last week, propelling the ‘Cats to their fourth win in a row, as they remain unbeaten in conference play.

Last time out against the Catamounts, the forward set up junior Robin Gerum (Kullavik, Sweden) with a pass across to the left of the box where Gerum popped it into the left side of the net past Vermont goalkeeper Tom Critz. The goal, which was Gerum's first of the season, broke a scoreless tie in the 71st minute, giving the Wildcats some breathing room and what would be the eventual game winner in the 1-0 win.

Earlier in the week against Hartford, Banks was at it again, scoring a goal for the third straight game in the 21st minute. Brad Hilton (Merrimack, N.H.) initiated the play, picking up the ball deep in the Hartford zone, crossing it over to the far post to an open Banks who tapped the ball into the left side net.

The goal set the tone for the Wildcats, as they peppered the Hawks with 19 shots in the contest, on their way to a 4-1 victory. New Hampshire's offensive outburst of four goals was a season high and is the most the Wildcats have scored since Oct. 29, 2006, when they defeated Stony Brook, 4-0, in the quarterfinal round of the America East Championship.

On the season, Banks leads the Wildcats in both goals and points, with five and 12, respectively. Three of those five goals are game-winners, including the most recent against the Terriers (Oct. 7).

Banks and The Wildcats return to action Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. when they hit the road to take on the University at Albany.