NFHCA Player of the Week Release


COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – On the heels of her first Centennial Conference weekly honor, Ursinus field hockey senior forward Marie Brainard was named the Division III Offensive Player of the Week, announced by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).


Brainard totaled nine points to lead Ursinus to a perfect 2-0 week. Against DeSales on Wednesday, she tallied the game's first two goals before earning an assist on the Bears' final tally in a 5-2 victory over the Bulldogs. Against 17th-ranked Lynchburg on Saturday, she scored twice in the first half leading Ursinus to a 2-1 victory.


She becomes the first Bear to receive the NFHCA's weekly honor since Erin Mcllhenny garnered Defensive Player of the Week honors in September of 2021. Saturday's multi-goal performance marked Brainard's sixth career multi-goal game and 30th and 31st goals of her career.


The Wilmington, Delaware native is a three-time All-Centennial selection for the Bears and currently leads the Centennial Conference with three game-winning goals this season, while ranking second in goals (6), shots on goal (19), and points (13).


The Bears return to action tonight as they host No. 11 Messiah University at 7 p.m. from Snell Alumni Field.