Stanford forward Lara Somfai has been named the Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA). The recognition comes after Somfai’s performances in Stanford’s recent victories over UC Davis and Lehigh.
Somfai averaged 14.5 points and 9.0 rebounds across the two games, contributing significantly to Stanford’s 70-45 win against UC Davis and its 98-43 victory over Lehigh. In the game against UC Davis, she recorded her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. According to Stanford, “She is tied for the ACC lead in double-doubles (3) and is tied for the national lead in double-doubles among freshmen with four other players.”
In the matchup with Lehigh, Somfai posted 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. She became only the second major conference freshman this season to achieve that statistical line in a single game. The first was Madison Francis of Mississippi State on November 9 against Mississippi Valley State.
Somfai stands out as one of only two Power 4 freshmen nationwide averaging at least 11.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game—the other being Bonnie Deas from Arkansas. Additionally, she ranks sixth nationally in defensive rebound percentage at 32.7 percent.
Stanford will travel to Las Vegas for the Resorts World Classic following Thanksgiving. The team is scheduled to play FGCU on Friday, November 28, and Colorado State on Saturday, November 29. Both games are set for a 5 p.m. tip-off and will be broadcast on FloCollege.
