SAN BRUNO, Calif. – Gonzaga’s Lauren Whittaker was named the West Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Freshman of the Week for the fifth time this season after helping the Zags garner a thrilling double-overtime victory over LMU. It is her sixth overall conference weekly recognition, as she was also named the player of the week last week. Oregon State’s Jenna Villa earned West Coast Conference Player of the Week accolades after leading Oregon State to a key victory over San Francisco as conference play got underway on Sunday.
WEST COAST CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – JENNA VILLA, JR., G, – OREGON STATE
Jenna Villa (Arlington, Wash.) led Oregon State to victory in its conference opener on Sunday, as the Beavers defeated San Francisco, 74-65. Villa collected 24 points, shooting 8-for-16 (.500) from the floor. She also shot .500 from behind the arc (3-for-6) and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line. Villa also picked up five rebounds and dished out three assists in the win over the Dons. This is her first conference weekly honor and the Beavers' second of the season.
Also Nominated: Ella Brubaker, Seattle U; Edie Clarke, Saint Mary's; Ashley Hawkins, Santa Clara; Daria Nestorov, Pacific; Kylie Ray, San Diego; Allie Turner, Gonzaga
WEST COAST CONFERENCE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK – LAUREN WHITTAKER, F – GONZAGA
A week after being named the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Week, Lauren Whittaker (Canterbury, New Zealand) was a key contributor in Gonzaga emerging victorious in an 87-80 double overtime victory over LMU on Sunday. Whittaker helped key the win for the Zags, connecting on several shots late in regulation and the overtime periods. The forward continues to add to her Gonzaga freshman record of double-doubles, earning her sixth of the season with 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting (.444) and tied her career high with 16 rebounds. She also added two pivotal steals.
Among freshmen in the national rankings, Whittaker is second in points per game (19.4), sixth in rebounds per game (9.8) and second in defensive rebounds per game (7.9). Her six double-doubles leads the nation among freshmen. This is her second straight conference freshman weekly honor and her sixth total conference recognition this season after winning both West Coast Conference Freshman and Player of the Week last week. Gonzaga has collected seven conference honors this season.
Also Nominated: Julia Dalan, Portland; Keira Lindemans, Oregon State; Sophia Mindermann, Pacific; Olivia Owens, San Diego; Kate Schat, Santa Clara; Jana Vesic, Seattle U
West Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week
November 10: Allie Turner, Gonzaga
November 17: Tiara Bolden, Oregon State
November 24: Candy Edokpaigbe, San Francisco
December 1: Candy Edokpaigbe, San Francisco
December 8: Shorna Preston, Pepperdine
December 15: Sophie Glancey, Santa Clara
December 22: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga
December 29: Jenna Villa, Oregon State
West Coast Conference Women’s Basketball Freshman of the Week
November 10: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga
November 17: Aina Cargol, San Francisco
November 24: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga
December 1: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga
December 8: Ayla Williams, San Diego
December 15: Julia Dalan, Portland
December 22: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga
December 29: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga