Freshman midfielder Tara Puffenberger scored three goals and added one assist in Virginia’s two games last week against William and Mary and Michigan State. She is tied with sophomore Paige Selenski for the team lead in goals with seven. Photo by Bennnett Sorbo.

Womensfieldhockey.com named Virginia field hockey player Tara Puffenberger National Rookie of the Week yesterday.

The freshman midfielder scored three goals and added an assist in the Cavaliers’ two victories against William & Mary and Michigan State last week, extending No. 5 Virginia’s undefeated record to 8-0.

Puffenberger came off the bench as a substitute in Thursday’s match against the Tribe and scored a goal off junior midfielder Haley Carpenter’s assist to break the 1-1 tie. The Cavaliers went on to win the game 4-1.

Following her strong performance against William & Mary, Puffenberger started Sunday’s game against No. 8 Michigan State and did not disappoint. She delivered an assist to sophomore midfielder Paige Selenski in the third minute to open up a 1-0 Virginia lead. Puffenberger later added two goals of her own within three minutes of each other, securing the 3-0 Virginia victory. Puffenberger’s seven goals this season also tie her with Selenski for the team lead.

—compiled by Andrew Seidman