Worcester State Headlines the MASCAC Basketball Weekly Accolades (Dec. 7-13)

WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester State University headlined the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference’s (MASCAC) Basketball Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week Accolades for the week of Dec. 7-13 as announced by the conference Monday afternoon.

Men’s Basketball:

Junior center, Paul Brooks (Arlington, Mass.) was awarded the MASCAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for his solid performance in a 1-1 week for the Lancers.

“After a slow start to the season, Paul has really come on,” stated head coach David Lindberg. Brooks averaged 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in the week. Brooks was just one rebound shy of a double-double in the loss to the University of New Hampshire in cross-divisional play, as he put up 10 points and nine rebounds.

In the 96-93 win over Western Connecticut, Brooks marked a career-high 28 points and had a stunning-19 rebounds on the evening for his third double-double of the season. Brooks also had a game-high four blocks in the Western Connecticut matchup. Overall, Brooks shots 63 percent from the field for the week.

“His consistent presence in the paint really stabilizes our team – staying out of foul trouble has been key to that,” stated Lindberg. “When he’s on the floor he puts up numbers which has definitely shown in his rebound totals this past week.”

Freshman guard, Alex Santos (Lawrence, Mass.) was named the MASCAC Men’s Basketball Rookie of the week for his steady performance in a 1-1 week for the Lancers. Santos averaged 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and two assists on the week.

“Alex had a very consistent week for us,” commented Lindberg. “His ability to create offense for himself and his teammates has given us a boost.”

Santos scored a team-high 18 points in the loss to the University of New Hampshire. He then scored 19 points in the 96-93 victory over Western Connecticut on Thursday evening.

“Alex made some big shots late in the game against Western Connecticut that helped us open up a lead,” stated Lindberg.

Overall, Santos shot 38.2 percent from the field, and 81.8 percent (9-11) from the free-throw line.

“While his offense has been a plus for us, his ability to guard different positions has been invaluable,” said Lindberg.

Women’s Basketball:

Freshman forward, Kaitlyn Berkel (Waterford, Conn.) was awarded the MASCAC Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Week Medal for her efforts in the 63-51 loss to Springfield College on Friday evening.

Berkel recorded a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds (two offensive). Berkel went 50 percent from the field in the totality of the game.

“She really had to step up and play well against a tough opponent,” stated head coach Karen Tessmer. “She carried us in the post when we were in foul trouble. She also was very versatile as she scored from both the inside and outside, and also controlled the boards.”

Berkel is currently averaging 8.8 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game.

“Kaitlyn has been giving us consistent play from both the wing and forward position, and it’s been nice to see her develop and improve with each game,” said Tessmer.

Honor Roll:

Men’s Ice Hockey’s freshman forward, Andrew Etheridge (Burrillville, R.I.) scored one goal and had two assists in the Lancers’ 5-1 win over Stonehill College.

Men’s Ice Hockey goaltender, Tyler Fallica (Coram, N.Y.) registered 25 saves for a .961 save percentage in the Lancers’ 5-1 win over Stonehill College.

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