Smuda Claims 3rd ASUN WBB Freshman of the Week Honor
2/15/2021 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
After leading the Lady Flames in points, rebounds and blocked shots during two weekend victories at Bellarmine, Liberty center Bella Smuda has been named ASUN Conference Women's Basketball Freshman of the Week for the third time this season.
Smuda is the Lady Flames' first three-time ASUN Freshman of the Week since Liberty joined the conference prior to the 2018-19 season, after her previous honors on Jan. 18 and Feb. 1. She also ties North Alabama's Sakyia White for the most ASUN Freshman of the Week honors by any player this season.
Smuda, who hails from Exton, Pa., tallied a team-high 31 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots in just 32 total minutes of playing time over the pair of contests at Bellarmine.
She led the Lady Flames in both points (15) and rebounds (9) during a 76-62 victory in the series opener on Saturday. Her presence in the paint contributed to Liberty's advantages in rebounding (43-35) and points in the paint (34-16).
On Sunday, Smuda contributed a career-high 16 points and six rebounds to Liberty's 79-73 triumph over the Knights, shooting 8-of-9 from the field. Smuda scored eight straight Liberty points to close out the third quarter, helping the Lady Flames take the lead for good. She then secured a critical defensive rebound with 18 seconds remaining in the game and Liberty clinging to a two-point lead.
Liberty is now 14-5 overall and sits in second place in the ASUN standings at 10-2. The Lady Flames are currently scheduled to return to action with a two-game ASUN series against Stetson at Liberty Arena, Feb. 27 & 28.
