A sensational NCAA Tournament hat trick by a dynamic junior powers the women’s soccer team of the week.

MORE: Women’s Division I Scoreboard

As she did last season when she scored four in the opening round, Minestrella bagged a hat trick to kick off the NCAA tournament. Elon had no answer for the junior forward who scored all three goals in the 3-0 result. Minestrella delivered two in the first half, then wrapped up the scoring in the 48th minute.

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Player of the Week: Mia Minestrella, Duke

Women’s Team of the Week: November 10-November 16

GK: Coralie Lallier, Alabama - Lallier saved three crucial penalties during the shootout, helping Alabama advance over Northwestern.

D: Caroline Castans, Kansas - The junior defender delivered two assists as Kansas defeated California Baptist 3-1 in the NCAA first round.

D: Guta Franke, UCF - Franke was a creative force against Maine, assisting both goals in the 2-0 win.

D: Elle Bissinger, Clemson - A well-struck effort helped Clemson defeat Liberty 2-1 in a tense matchup.

M: Ai Kitagawa, Memphis - Kitagawa scored both goals against Illinois, leading the team to a 2-1 victory.

M: Bella Carapazza, Lipscomb - An incredible first touch and clipped finish led Lipscomb to a win over Mississippi State for the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament win.

M: Reagan Kotschau, Colorado - Kotschau was clutch versus Utah Valley as she produced the game-winner with a brave header in double overtime.

M: Erin Connolly, Wisconsin - The junior midfielder scored twice as Wisconsin survived a tense clash with Western Michigan, earning a 3-2 win.

F: Seven Castain, TCU - Castain managed a hat trick and an assist as TCU defeated Grambling State 7-0.

F: Mia Minestrella, Duke - Minestrella scored a hat trick as Duke defeated Elon.

F: Alex Buck, Washington - The sophomore forward was incredible versus Montana, scoring twice, including a world-class solo goal in a 2-0 victory.

Honorable Mention: GK Molly Pritchard (Ohio State),D Macy Blackburn (Texas Tech), D Sammi Wiemann (Wake Forest), D Hallie Augustyn (Baylor), M Shay Montgomery (Georgetown),  M Courtney Jones (Vanderbilt),  M Riley Gleason (Penn State), M Samantha Erbach (Xavier), F Abbey Olexa (West Virginia), F Maggie Cagle (Virginia), F Sariyah Bailey (LSU)

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