Former Falcon Honored as Ivy League Rookie of the Week

Former Severna Park High School field hockey standout Marissa Balleza is continuing some impressive play at the collegiate level.

On Tuesday, Balleza, who now plays for Harvard, was honored as the Ivy League Rookie of the Week.

As a freshman, Balleza paces the Crimson with her four goals so far in 2013, tying her with Noel Painter for a team-best nine points through nine games, according to Harvard's athletic department. She also leads Harvard with 29 shots, 21 of which have come on target.

While at Severna Park Balleza earned four varsity letters in field hockey and led the Falcons to two Maryland 4A State Championships. She was also a two-time All-Maryland first team selection, a three-time All-County selection and was named Player of the Year by The Capital in 2011.