Oct. 13, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - Freshman Noelle Fanella earned her second weekly honor of the season on Monday when the outside hitter was named the Colonial Athletic Association Co-Rookie of the Week, announced by the conference office. It is the second weekly honor for both Fanella and the Patriots this season, as she earned the award on September 15 as well.

Helping to lead the George Mason women's volleyball team to two conference road wins this weekend, Fanella totaled 20 digs, 18 kills and six aces as a starter in the 3-1 victories over Georgia State on Friday and UNC Wilmington on Sunday.

Against the Seahawks, it was on Fanella's serve that the Patriots scored seven straight points in the fourth set to clinch the victory. Two of her season-high four aces in that match came during that span.

The Bloomingdale, Ill., native is third on the team in kills (98) and digs (139) and fourth on the team in points (117.5). She is one of only two CAA athletes to earn a weekly honor twice this season, and the first Patriot to receive the award twice in a season since Jaqueline Kohler in 2004. Fanella shared the award with James Madison's Kelly Turner.

Fanella and the Patriots return home this weekend to host Towson and Delaware at the Field House at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, respectively.