Dec. 17, 2012

BRONX, N.Y. - The Atlantic 10 has named freshman forward Samantha Clark (Neptune, N.J./St. Rose) as the conference's Rookie of the Week for games played between December 10th and December 16th. The weekly honor is the first of Clark's career and the first for a Fordham player this season.

Clark had a breakthrough performance in a week that saw the Rams go 2-0 with victories at home over Southern and Morgan State. The Neptune, New Jersey native put up two double-doubles in as many games, netting 15 points and pulling down 13 rebounds against Southern (both of which set career highs), and tallying 12 points to go along with 11 rebounds in the win over Morgan State. Those performances were the first double-doubles recorded by a Fordham player this season.

Clark has seen a more active role in the Fordham lineup over the last few contests, cementing a role in the starting five with efforts like those against Morgan State and Southern. She has appeared in all 11 games this season, made five starts, and reached double figure scoring six times.

"I think Sam's just gaining confidence with every game," said Fordham head coach Stephanie Gaitley following Sunday's win over Morgan State. "I think that she understands the offenses more. She understands her role."

Daress McClung from Butler earned Player of the Week honors from the conference. The junior from Indianapolis had 15 points, 13 boards, six assists, six blocks, and four steals in Butler's win over Northern Kentucky on Sunday.

Junior guard Erin Rooney narrowly missed such accolades, averaging 21.5 points, four assists, three steals, and a 2:1 assist/turnover ratio, while shooting 45 percent from the floor, 50 percent from three, and 92 percent from the charity stripe for the week.

Clark and the Rams will next see action on December 29th when they host Lafayette in the opening game of the Fordham Holiday Classic. Tip-off for that game is set for 1:00 PM.