Senior Heather Ernest (Temple, Maine/Mt. Blue) of University of Maine and University of Hartford freshman Ikea Witt (Vineland, N.J./Sacred Heart) have been named the 2003-04 season's first America East Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week respectively.
Ernest, a 6-1 forward, averaged 29.5 ppg and 9.0 rpg as the Black Bears went 1-1 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii. On the week, she was 21-of-32 from the floor (65.6 percent), three-of-six behind the arc (50.0 percent) and 14-of-15 at the charity stripe (93.3 percent).
In Maine’s season opener, Ernest tallied a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds as the Black Bears fell to Washington 82-70. Versus host Hawaii in the consolation game, she continued her quality play with 32 points and eight rebounds. Her efforts earned her All-Tournament Team honors.
Witt is the season’s first America East Rookie of the Week after scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the Hawks’ 69-65 double-overtime win over Marist in their season opener.
In her first collegiate game, Witt came off the bench to play 27 minutes, recording the first double-double for Hartford since teammate Erika Messam did so (17 points, 10 rebounds) on December 29, 2002.