GOLDEN EAGLES ALBANESE NAMED PSAC-WEST ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

            Clarion University freshman forward Jessica Albanese (Crescent Springs, KY/Notre Dame Academy) is the PSAC-West Freshman of Week for the two-week period ending Jan. 2.

            Albanese helped Clarion to a 2-2 week including two wins against PSAC-East foes by averaging 11.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg while shooting 74.1 percent (20 of 27) from the field.

            She hit the game-winning shot with 52 seconds left and then added a clinching free throw with 23 ticks to play in a 56-53 win at Millersville Dec. 21. She finished that game with 13 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 6 of 8 from the floor in just 22 minutes of action.

            Albanese added 12 points and four rebounds in 16 minutes of action during a 73-63 win at Cheyney Dec. 22, and then scored 15 points and had seven rebounds in her first start of the season Dec. 31 in a loss to Fort Lewis (Col.) in the Grand Canyon Tournament in Phoenix, Ariz.

            On the season, Albanese has been a key player in helping Clarion tie its third best start in school history with an 8-3 record. She is averaging 8.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg while shooting 53.6 percent (45 of 84) from the floor mainly as the Golden Eagles sixth man.

            Clarion returns to action Saturday when it hosts Kutztown at 1 p.m. and then again Sunday when it hosts West Chester at 1 p.m.