Sept. 14, 2009

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Freshman setter Bella Jade Romero (Arlington, Texas) has been named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Romero helped the Hawks (8-3) to a perfect 3-0 mark over the weekend at the Delaware State Invitational. UMES did not drop a set in defeating Navy, La Salle and Norfolk State.

Romero averaged 9.67 assists and 2.2 digs per set in the tournament. She posted 87 assists, 20 digs, four aces and three blocks in the three matches.

She was also named MEAC Rookie of the Week following the Tribe Invitational at William & Mary on Aug. 31.

Senior outside hitter Whitney Johnson (Prince Frederick, Md.) was also recognized by the conference as an Other Top Performer. She tallied a .453 attack percentage with 29 kills five digs and three aces on her way to being named to the all-tournament team.

UMES next travels to the Pitt Blue and Gold Tournament Sept. 19-20 to face Valparaiso, Pittsburgh and Youngstown State.