Dec. 29, 2008
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame freshman guard Natalie Novosel (Lexington, Ky./Lexington Catholic) has been chosen as the BIG EAST Conference Freshman of the Week, it was announced Monday by the conference office. It’s the first career weekly honor for Novosel, who is the second Irish player selected for the award this season, joining two-time recipient Kellie Watson (Ionia, Mich./Ionia) (Dec. 1 & 8).
This marks the first time since 2001-02 that Notre Dame has had multiple players receive the BIG EAST Freshman of the Week award — that season, Jacqueline Batteast claimed the honor a school-record-tying six times, while Katy Flecky garnered it twice.
Novosel played a pivotal role in Sunday’s 68-61 win at Charlotte, coming off the bench to score 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, while adding five rebounds (four offensive) and a season-high four steals in 30 minutes. She also came up with four points and a crucial defensive rebound in the final 30 seconds to help thwart a furious 49er rally and secure the victory.
No. 12/6 Notre Dame (10-1) returns to the hardwood Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET) when it travels to No. 20/19 Vanderbilt. The game will be broadcast live on radio across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan on Pulse FM (96.9/92.1), and worldwide on the Internet right here at the official Notre Dame athletics web site (www.UND.com), with veteran broadcaster Bob Nagle on the call.
— ND —