Nov. 14, 2011
ST. LOUIS -
Freshman forward Maddie Oliver was named Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week after the first week of the 2011-12 season, as announced by the league office Monday. Oliver led the Redbirds to a win over Ball State Friday (Nov. 11).
"I'm happy to see Maddie's production in our season opener against Ball State being recognized by the conference," head coach Stephanie Glance said. "Maddie is extremely coachable and gives a great effort every day in practice. She simply carried that over into her collegiate debut."
Oliver netted 14 points and was the team's second-leading scorer in her collegiate debut in the season-opening victory against Ball State, 63-52, at Worthen Arena. Oliver also grabbed five rebounds in the game and proved to be too much for Ball State to handle in the paint. The Roland, Iowa, native was nearly perfect from the field, making 7-of 8 shots and swatted away two BSU shots in 21 minutes played.
With the award, Oliver is the first Redbird to be named Newcomer of the Week since Shala Jackson received the honor on Nov. 19, 2007. Creighton's Sarah Nelson was named MVC Player of the Week.
The Redbirds will return to the court Thursday against in-state rival Northwestern. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., in Evanston, Ill.
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