Monday, December 19, 2005

Macon, Ga. -- Mercer's Erin Keller (Laplace, La./Communications) led the Bears to their second victory of the season and was named Atlantic Sun Player of the Week today for her performance in the A-Sun Game of the Week.

Keller played a pivital role in securing a 51-49 win over Southern Miss (3-6) and giving head coach Brenda Welch-Nichols a victory over her former mentor, Joye Lee-McNelis. The sophomore guard stepped up, draining four free throws to ensure Mercer's lead in the closing seconds of the game. In 31 minutes of work, she erupted to lead all scorers with 18 points, pulled down six rebounds, nabbed four steals and a block, all while committing only one turnover. She was also 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

The Bears are set to host the University of New Orleans today at Noon.

The Atlantic Sun Conference announces the Player of the Week every Monday during the 2005 women's basketball campaign.

The 11-member league headquartered in Macon, Ga., consists of Belmont, Campbell, ETSU, Florida Atlantic, Gardner-Webb, Jacksonville, Kennesaw State, Lipscomb, Mercer, North Florida and Stetson.

Other Top Performers

Marlena Murphy, CAM (So. - F - Fayetteville, N.C. - Undecided) -- Murphy turned in a career weekend playing 5,000 miles from home for Campbell. The sophomore forward averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.5 assists and just 2.0 turnovers for the Lady Camels in a pair of games against Hawaii in Honolulu.

Ashley Williams, JU (So. - F - Jacksonville, Fla. - Business) -- Williams finished with 24 points, 19 rebounds, six steals and five blocks to lead the Dolphins to a 70-55 win over Savannah State on Dec. 12, in the Dolphins' home opener. It was her third 20-point performance of the year (and second in a row).

Andrea Dill, UNF (Jr. - F - Bonner Springs, Kan. - Criminal Justice ) -- Dill led the Lady Ospreys in scoring this past week, averaging 10 points a game in two contests and scoring a career high 14 points against Bethune-Cookman on Dec. 20.