Barcena, Nievas, Hernandez garner HBCUAC Weekly Honors

After guiding Wiley University men's soccer to a victory in their Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference opener, Alejandro Barcena wins HBCUAC Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week, Kevin Nievas claims Defensive Player of the Week and Ian Hernandez takes home Newcomer of the Week for September 29-October 5.

Barcena scored his first two career goals in the first half to pace the Wildcats' 4-0 victory over Paul Quinn College in their HBCUAC opener. He scored off a rebound in the 33rd minute. Three minutes later, he scored on a pass from Salvador Vazquez. All three of Barcena's shots were on goal.

Nievas held the Tigers scoreless for nearly 67 minutes, making one save. He was pulled to give senior goalkeeper Melvin Bonilla playing time in his senior day game. He ranks second in the conference with a 1.99 goals against average and tied for second with 19 saves. This is Nievas fifth honor.

Hernandez recorded his second assist on a corner kick. He passed to Anthony Ulloa who perfectly placed the ball in the right side of the net, which increased Wiley's lead to three. Hernandez was tied for fourth in the conference in assists. This was Hernandez's second award.

These are the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th awards won by the Wildcats this season. They play Oakwood University at 9 p.m. Saturday at Tatum High School and host Huston-Tillotson University on Monday.