CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (Dec. 14, 2010) – NYIT women’s basketball freshman guard Alexandra Venuto (Ossining, N.Y.) earned her first career accolade on Monday as she was named the East Coast Conference’s Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Week.

 

Venuto is the second Bear to be recognized thus far this season as junior Cierra Baker (Windsor, Conn.) picked up ECC Co-Player of the Week honors on Nov. 22.

 

The 5-foot-8 guard averaged 8.7 points per game as she helped NYIT to a 2-1 week that included non-conference revenge over Concordia (N.Y.) on Dec. 6, a tough edging at C.W. Post on Dec. 8, and a come-from-behind victory over Bridgeport on Dec. 11.

 

In Monday’s 84-68 win, Venuto added nine points, all on three-point field goals. At C.W. Post, she added another nine points, all on threes. In the Bears’ 60-58 triumph over Bridgeport, Venuto nailed the final two free throws to give NYIT the come-from-behind win. She posted eight points against the Purple Knights and dished out a season-high two assists.

 

On the season, Venuto leads the squad with 17 made three-pointers and ranks third in scoring with 7.4 points per game.

 

The Bears return to action on Thursday, Dec. 30 in a non-conference game against the Hawks of Saint Anselm. Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m. at Recreation Hall. Prior to that the Bears will be Santa’s little helpers this Friday, Dec. 17 at Holiday Magic’s “Every Child’s Dream Party” at Prince of Peace School in Sayville, N.Y. For more information, visit holidaymagicli.org.