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Balmelli, Alexander NFHCA DIII Field Hockey Players of the Week

Sep 23, 2026 | 2026-2027, Division III, News

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  —​ Hannah Balmelli, a junior midfielder from Bowdoin College, and Cassidy Alexander, a sophomore goalkeeper from Shenandoah University, have been named this week’s NFHCA Division III Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. Emily Yazzetti, a junior forward/midfielder from Dean College, and Josie Sarno, a first-year goalkeeper from Swarthmore College, also received honorable mention nods for Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week. The NFHCA Player of the Week program is sponsored by Wrappit Wrappit.

NFHCA Division III Offensive Player of the Week​

Hannah Balmelli, Bowdoin College, Junior, Midfielder (Lake Forest, IL)

  • Delivered the game-winning goal on consecutive days as Bowdoin defeated two top-10 opponents.
  • Scored with 3:46 remaining to break a 1-1 tie and lift the Polar Bears to a 2-1 win over then-No. 10 Wesleyan.
  • Tallied the game’s only goal in a 1-0 win over then-No. 5 Williams.
  • Earned NESCAC Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division III Defensive Player of the Week

Cassidy Alexander, Shenandoah University, Sophomore, Goalkeeper (Millington, MD)

  • Made 10 saves while leading Shenandoah to wins over Dickinson and then-No. 7 Franklin & Marshall.
  • Recorded a season-high eight saves in a 1-0 double-overtime road shutout at Franklin & Marshall.
  • Denied two shots in the first overtime to help send the game to a second overtime.
  • Earned ODAC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division III Honorable Mention

Offensive: Emily Yazzetti, Dean College, Junior, Forward/Midfielder (Mahopac, NY)​

  • Totaled five goals and one assist during Dean’s 2-0 week, recording a hat trick, an assist and the overtime game-winner at Plymouth State before scoring twice against Rivier.
  • Earned GNAC Player of the Week honors.

Defensive: Josie Sarno, Swarthmore College, First-Year, Goalkeeper (Stow, MA)

  • Made 16 saves across two wins, including 10 in a comeback victory over then-No. 19 TCNJ and six in a 5-0 shutout at Widener.
  • Earned Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The NFHCA National Player of the Week program honors an offensive and defensive player of the week, in each division, throughout the season.