Tara Vittese Named ACC Freshman of the Year

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Nov. 10, 2014

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia midfielder Tara Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) was named the 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference Field Hockey Freshman of the Year, as announced Monday by Commissioner John Swofford.

“Tara had an incredible rookie year, playing a significant role in helping us secure the ACC regular-season title,” said Virginia head coach Michele Madison. “She dominated the ACC attacking stat categories all season long which is an amazing feat for such an unselfish player. Tara celebrates more when a teammate scores than she does so herself.”

Vittese finished her rookie campaign ranked fourth in the country with 2.55 points per game and was 10th with .85 goals per contest, scoring 17 goals with 17 assists. She led the league or was tied for the league lead in shots, points and assists, and was second in goals, earning her a spot on the All-ACC First Team.

Vittese is the fifth Cavalier to earn the ACC Freshman of the Year honor, which is determined in a poll of the league’s seven head coaches. Sophomore midfielder Lucy Hyams (Whitstable, England) earned the accolade last season.