Nov. 30, 2009

RICHMOND, Va. - Freshman Amber Easter had an outstanding week in helping lead the George Mason women's basketball team to a pair of home victories, and she has been recognized by the Colonial Athletic Association as its Rookie of the Week, announced today. It is the first weekly award for Easter and the first for Mason in the 2009-10 season.

Easter, a 6'0" guard/forward, recorded her first double-double against North Carolina Central on Friday, just days after falling one rebound short against Jacksonville. The Hampton, Va., native opened the week with 13 points on 50 percent field goal shooting to go along with nine rebounds against the Dolphins.

She finished the week with 20 points and 15 rebounds against NCCU. The rookie averaged 16.5 points and 12.0 rebounds for George Mason and added three assists, four steals and three blocks on the week. Easter, who has started each of the Patriots' five games, was the top scorer and rebounder for Mason last week and leads the team in both those categories this season.

Easter is the first George Mason women's basketball player to earn the honor since Jen Daniels was named the conference rookie of the week on Feb. 25, 2003. Additionally, it is the first weekly honor for Mason since Lateisha Wade was named CAA Player of the Week on Nov. 26, 2007.

Easter and the Patriots are back in action with three games this week, beginning with a home tilt against Fairfield Monday evening at 7 p.m.