Drexel's Ferariu Named National Freshman of the Week
Drexel Athletics
ST. LOUIS - Drexel freshman guard
Ana Ferariu has been named the National Freshman of the Week by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), the organization announced on Tuesday. Ferariu, who was named the CAA's Rookie of the Week on Monday, scored a career-high 18 points in 13 minutes of work as the Dragons defeated Saint Joseph's on Sunday afternoon for their third-consecutive victory.
Ferariu, who comes to the Dragons from Brasov, Romania, made her first appearance in Sunday's game with 5:33 to play in the third quarter, and only briefly exited the rest of the way. She immediately picked up an offensive unit that had struggled to that point, hitting five of six field goal attempts including her only three-point try. She was able to weave through the defense with regularity to get to the bucket for easy hoops. Ferariu also drew a number of fouls and hit seven of eight attempts from the free throw line.
When Ferariu checked in, Drexel trailed 32-27 and had shot just 32.4 percent from the floor (11-for-34) as a team. Her explosive presence on the offensive end opened things up for her teammates, as Drexel shot 10-for-21 (47.6 percent) as a team from the floor down the stretch.
Ferariu did not have a turnover during her time on the court. She added four rebounds and a late steal which denied a last-ditch charge by the Hawks. Her 18 points were not only a career best for the young guard but also marked the highest scoring output by a Drexel freshman thus far this season.
The recognition by the national writers' association was the first in Drexel women's basketball program history. Since the 2003-04 season, the USWBA has named a Women's National Freshman of the Year, yet this is the third season it has recognized Freshmen of the Week.