Sept. 15, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - George Mason freshman outside hitter Noelle Fanella earned the Patriots' first weekly honor of the season as she was honored as the Colonial Athletic Association's Rookie of the Week, announced today by the conference office.

Fanella, a native of Bloomingdale, Ill., was a part of the Mason squad which won three of four matches last week. She started all four matches and tallied 40 digs, 28 kills, 11 assists, five blocks and four service aces.

In the match against Charlotte, she notched her first career double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs, tying season-highs in both categories. For the season, Fanella currently ranks second with 69 digs and third on the team with 56 kills.

Fanella and the Patriots are back in action on Friday afternoon when they travel to the Indiana Invitational, facing off against the host Hoosiers at 12:30 p.m.