Puffenberger Named National Rookie of the Week

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Freshman field hockey player Tara Puffenberger (Dallas, Pa.) has been named the national rookie of the week by womensfieldhockey.com. Puffenberger tallied three goals and an assist in Virginia's two wins last week.

Puffenberger had the game-winner on the road Thursday against William and Mary in Virginia's 4-1 victory over the Tribe to put the Cavaliers ahead for good after the first half ended in a tie.

On Sunday, Puffenberger had in a hand in all three Virginia goals as the Cavaliers earned a 3-0 victory over eighth-ranked Michigan State. Puffenberger assisted on Paige Selenski's goal to put UVa up 1-0 before scoring the next two as Virginia improved to 8-0, the best start for the program since 1997.

Puffenberger, who played in the Junior World Cup for the USA before suiting up for the Cavaliers this season, is tied with USA and UVa teammate Paige Selenski for the team lead in scoring with seven goals through eight games. 

Virginia returns to action at 6 p.m. Friday against Boston University before opening conference play against Boston College at 1 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the University Hall Turf Field is free.

Womensfieldhockey.com Players of the Week
Sept. 22, 2009

Player of the Week: Loren Sherer, Connecticut
Rookie of the Week: Tara Puffenberger, Virginia

Honor Roll
Katie Brightwell, Miami
Rachel Chamberlin, Providence
Deanna DiCroce, Lafayette
Katelyn Falgowski, UNC
Amy Kee, Syracuse
Ashley McCauley, Yale
Kelly Newton, Maine
Makaela Potts, Massachusetts
Lindsay Quintiliani, Ohio State