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Helm, Merlack NFHCA DIII Field Hockey Players of the Week

Oct 7, 2026 | 2026-2027, Division III, News

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO  —​ Eleanor Helm, a sophomore forward from Tufts University, and Maddy Merlack, a first-year goalkeeper from York College of Pennsylvania, have been named this week’s NFHCA Division III Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. Maddie Greco, a senior forward from Union College, and Ruby Sorber, a sophomore goalkeeper from the University of Scranton, 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​

Eleanor Helm, Tufts University, Sophomore, Forward (Loudonville, NY)

  • Tallied two goals and two assists as Tufts defeated three nationally ranked opponents.
  • Contributed to both fourth-quarter goals against then-No. 7 Babson and assisted the deciding goal at then-No. 14 Amherst.
  • Scored with no time remaining in the first overtime as the Jumbos secured a 2-1 road win at then-No. 11 Hamilton.
  • Earned NESCAC Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division III Defensive Player of the Week

Maddy Merlack, York College of Pennsylvania, First-Year, Goalkeeper (Gibsonia, PA)

  • Made 22 saves over 139 minutes during York’s 2-0 week.
  • Recorded a career-high 20 saves in a 2-1 double-overtime win over then-No. 4 Salisbury.
  • Turned away 18 consecutive shots as York rallied for the double-overtime win over the Sea Gulls.
  • Earned MAC Commonwealth Defensive Player of the Week honors.

NFHCA Division III Honorable Mention

Offensive: Maddie Greco, Union College, Senior, Forward (Scarsdale, NY)

  • Totaled four goals and two assists during Union’s 3-0 week, scoring the tying goal and assisting the overtime winner at Skidmore before adding the game-winner against St. Lawrence.
  • Earned Liberty League Offensive Performer of the Week honors.

Defensive: Ruby Sorber, University of Scranton, Sophomore, Goalkeeper (Hunlock Creek, PA)

  • Made 12 saves across two wins, including 10 against then-No.17 Stevens, and denied three shootout attempts to secure the upset.
  • Earned Landmark Conference Defensive Athlete 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.