For the second week in a row and the third time this season, Westmont senior forward Tugce Canitez has been named the NAIA and the Golden State Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Canitez was selected based on her performances from February 4 through February 11 from other conference players of the week from around the nation.
Against then-number three Vanguard (17-2, 8-2), Canitez recorded 22 points and 14 rebounds as Westmont (20-3, 10-0) posted a 70-58 win. Canitez was 9 of 15 from the floor and four of five from the three point line. Of her 14 rebounds, five were on the the offensive end. She also had two assists and one steal.
After suffering a mild concussion late in the Vanguard game, Canitez did not play on Thurday in Westmont’s 73-59 non-conference win over La Sierra. However, she showed no ill effects in Fullerton on Saturday, posting 28 points and 22 rebounds against Hope International (11-14, 3-7). Making 10 of 22 from the floor, and eight of 12 from the free throw line, Canitez snatched seven boards from the offensive glass and once again had two assists and one steal.
Canitez’ selection marks the first time since the 2009-10 season that an NAIA women’s basketball player has been named the national player of the week three times in one season. The last to be so honored was Whitney Ballinger of Campbellsville (Ky.), a two-time NAIA Player of the Year.
