WEEKLY HONORS:

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ty Battle, Delaware

Senior | Forward | Plainfield, Ill. / Oswego East

Battle had a career performance, leading Delaware to an overtime victory in its conference opener against Charleston. The senior forward recorded a monster double-double, tying a career-high 21 points and set a career-high with 22 rebounds. Battle added two blocks, one steal and an assist to her stat line; however, it was a crucial sequence down the stretch the cemented her impact on the game. Battle secured an offensive rebound and scored the game-tying layup to force overtime, allowing the Blue Hens to win in overtime 86-84. The 22 rebounds are the second-highest single-game total throughout the NCAA this season, while the double-double marks her seventh this season, keeping her tied for first in the CAA.

ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

Claudia Soriano, Northeastern

Freshman | Guard | Barcelona, Spain / Jesuites Gràcia Col · Legi Kostka

Soriano contributed in a variety of ways to help Northeastern begin CAA play 1-0, with a 77-67 win over UNCW. In her first conference action, the freshman recorded 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting along with a game-high six assists. Soriano also added three rebounds and two steals to round out her performance. The six assists tie her season-best while she has recorded two or more steals in nine games this season. The Huskies held a six-point lead entering the fourth quarter, and Soriano scored or assisted on 15 of Northeastern’s 22 points in the final period to secure the victory. 

CONFERENCE NOTES:

ALL OR NONE WEEK ONE OF CAA PLAY: All ten teams opened their conference slates this past week. Drexel, Towson, James Madison and Northeastern started CAA play 2-0, while Delaware won its conference opener. Charleston, Elon, Hofstra, UNCW and William & Mary are still searching for their first CAA victory. 

STRINGING WWWWINS TOGETHER: Towson and Drexel continued their winning ways in conference play. Towson won its seventh and eighth straight games, while Drexel claimed its sixth and seventh consecutive victories. The CAA is the only conference in the country, with two teams maintaining winning streaks of seven or more games. Towson's eight-game winning streak is the fifth-longest in the NCAA, and Drexel's streak is tied for the eighth-best in the nation. 

CAA REVISES POLICY FOR GAMES IMPACTED BY COVID-19: Any contest that cannot be played will initially be counted as a postponement with the intention to be rescheduled. If unable to reschedule, it would count as a forfeit for the purpose of conference standings, resulting in a loss for the team that caused the cancelation and a win for the opposing team. If both teams were unable to play it will count as a tie in the conference standings. Canceled games will not have an impact on a team’s overall NCAA record.

HOME COURT ADVANTAGE: CAA teams have proved hard to beat on their home court this season, posting a 38-16 record at home. Two teams remain undefeated on their home court, while five squads have only one loss at home.

NON-CONFERENCE, NO PROBLEM: It has been an impressive start to the 2021-22 season as CAA teams have combined for a 60-41 record. Throughout the non-conference slate six teams posted at least six wins.     

PROLIFIC SCORING: Delaware's Jasmine Dickey is tied for first in NCAA women's basketball, averaging 25.2 points per game, while a pair of teams rank inside the top 20 in scoring offense. As a team, Charleston ranks 17th in the nation averaging 79.7 points per game, and Towson ranks 18th, scoring 79.6 points per game.

STONE COLD THIEVERY: Two CAA players rank inside the top 10 in steals per game nationally. Charleston's Jenna Annecchiarico ranks fifth nationally with 3.62 steals per game and 47 total steals. Claudia Soriano of Northeastern is ninth, averaging 3.36 steals per game, ranking 22nd with 37 total steals. 

DROPPING DIMES: Three CAA student-athletes rank inside the top 10 nationally in assists per game this season. Charleston's Jenna Annecchiarico, Towson's Aleah Nelson and Brie Perpignan of Elon are tied for fifth in the NCAA in assists per game with 6.2. Annecchiairo ranks 14th nationally in total assists (81), while Nelson and Perpignan are tied for 27th (74). 

BLOCK PARTY: Charleston's Arynn Eady recorded seven blocks against UNCG, marking the most blocks in a single game by a CAA player this season. She ranks 19th in the NCAA, with 2.31 blocks per game and 30 total blocks. 

TAKING CARE OF THE BALL: Delaware, Drexel and Charleston have been among the best in the nation in assist/turnover ratio, turnover margin and turnovers per game. The Dragons and Cougars rank sixth (1.43) and 18th (1.22) respectively in assist/turnover ratio. Charleston is second in the NCAA in turnover margin (+9.77), while Drexel, Delaware and Charleston are in the top 30 nationally in turnovers per game at fifth (11.2), 26th (13.0) and 28th (13.1), respectively.  

LOCKDOWN DEFENSE: Defense has been solid for CAA squads this season as three teams are holding opponents to under 60.0 points per game and seven limit opponents to under 40% shooting. Drexel leads the league in scoring defense and ranks second in field goal percentage defense (35.1%). The Dragons are 25th in the NCAA, allowing 54.8 ppg. Towson leads the conference in field goal percentage defense and is third in scoring defense (58.2 ppg). The Tigers' 34.3% opponent field goal percentage ranks 14th nationally.

NOTHING BUT NET: In the latest edition of the NCAA NET rankings, five CAA teams hold steady in the top 150. Towson rose to its highest rank this season at 71st to lead the CAA. Drexel followed at 108th, with Elon and Delaware subsequently at 124th and 131st. Northeastern rounded out the top five at 149th.

CAA IN THE COLLEGE INSIDER MID-MAJOR TOP 25: Three CAA teams: Drexel, James Madison and Towson received recognition in the College Insider Mid-Major Poll. Towson rose to its highest rank of the season, sitting at No. 18. Drexel was the first team outside the top 25, receiving 107 points. James Madison received votes for the ninth straight week. 

TEAM NOTES:

Charleston

• Charleston suffered a pair of heartbreaking losses to begin CAA play, falling to Drexel (61-60) and Delaware (86-84, OT). 

• The Cougars had four scorers reach double figures in both contests. 

• Against Drexel, Arynn Eady recorded her fourth double-double this season with 12 points and a season-best 16 rebounds. She also added three blocks. 

• Tyler Collins paced Charleston with a season-high 23 points, adding six rebounds and five assists against Delaware. 

• Latrice Perkins averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg over the weekend. She scored 15 points on Friday before contributing 16 points and nine rebounds on Sunday.  

• Grace Abercrombie contributed 11.5 ppg, scoring double figures in both games with 10 and 13, respectively. 

• Jenna Annecchiarico paces the CAA in assists per game (6.23), steals per game (3.62) and three-point field goal percentage (40.0%). 

• Charleston leads the CAA in scoring offense (79.7 ppg), steals per game (13.5), and turnover margin (+9.77).  

Delaware

• Delaware returned to the court for the first time since Dec. 11 and won its CAA opener 86-84 over Charleston in overtime. 

• Ty Battle recorded her seventh double-double of the season, tying a career-high 21 points and setting a career-high with 22 rebounds. 

• Battle is tied for the CAA lead in double-doubles (7) and tops the league in rebounding (10.6 rpg). 

• Lizzie Oleary set career-highs with 20 points and 14 rebounds, notching her first double-double this season. 

• Jasmine Dickey scored 22 points to pace the Blue Hens in scoring. 

• Dickey leads the CAA and is tied for first in the NCAA, scoring 25.2 points per game. 

• The Blue Hens held an advantage in rebounding (58-45) while scoring 28 second-chance points off 27 offensive rebounds.

• Delaware had more made free throws (31-41) than Charleston had attempts (21).

• The win marked the 150th in the career of head coach Natasha Adair.

Drexel

• Drexel extended its winning streak to seven, defeating Charleston (61-60) and UNCW (71-68, OT) to begin conference play.  

• Keishana Washington averaged 26.0 ppg to lead Drexel in scoring. She poured in a season-high 33 points against Charleston. 

• Washington has scored in double figures all 12 games this season and ranks third in the CAA with 17.6 ppg this winter. 

• Tess Brugler recorded double-doubles in both contests. She tallied 13 points with 13 rebounds against Charleston, followed by 17 points and 11 rebounds at UNCW. 

• Brugler is tied for the conference lead in double-doubles (7). Previously, Drexel had three double-doubles in the past two years. 

• Mariah Leonard recorded double-digit rebounds in both games. She had 12 boards on Friday before 13 on Sunday. Leonard also scored eight points in each contest, including the game-winner against Charleston. 

• The Dragons lead the CAA in scoring defense (54.8 ppg), assists per game (16.0) and assist/turnover ratio (1.42). 

•  At 10-2 overall, Drexel matches the 2016-17 team for the best start in program history.

Elon

• Elon dropped its first two CAA contests, falling to Towson (66-54) before a dramatic 59-57 loss to JMU.  

• Evonna McGill led the Phoenix in scoring both games, with 14 and 19 points, respectively. The 19 points against JMU marked a career-high and came on 9-of-11 shooting. 

• McGill ranks third in the conference in field goal percentage (57.7%) and blocks per game (1.45). 

• Brie Perpignan contributed 13.5 ppg, 5.0 apg and 3.0 rpg. She recorded 16 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists in the effort at JMU. 

• Perpignan has scored in double figures five straight games and nine this season. 

• Aja James tallied a season-high 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-3 from behind the arc against Towson.

• Elon has dropped back-to-back for the first time this season, following the pair of setbacks last week.  

Hofstra

• Hofstra played its first game since Dec. 11, dropping its conference opener to Northeastern 64-51. 

• All seven of Hofstra's available players contributed at least five points at Northeastern.

• Selma Markisic led the Pride, scoring a career-best 15 points, tripling her previous career-high.  

• Jaala Henry contributed seven points, eight rebounds, four assists and a season-high four steals in the effort. 

• Zyheima Swint added seven points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Swint's three blocks were an individual and team season-high for Hofstra.

• Sorelle Ineza chipped in nine points along with a season-high three steals.

• Jahsyni Knight posted season-highs in points and assists with six and four, respectively. 

• Three of the Pride's nine games have been one-possession games, with Hofstra going 2-1 in those contests. 

James Madison

• James Madison opened CAA play 2-0, making it three straight wins for the Dukes. JMU defeated William & Mary (67-39) on Friday, followed by Elon (59-57) on Sunday. 

• Annalicia Goodman recorded back-to-back double-doubles, marking the first two of her career. 

• Goodman posted career-highs with 16 points and 12 rebounds against W&M before adding 10 points and 11 rebounds versus Elon. 

• Kiki Jefferson averaged 15.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg, including 22 points and nine rebounds in the victory over Elon.  

• Jamia Hazell added 12 points, four rebounds and three assists against W&M. She has scored in double figures nine games this season.

• On Friday, freshman Mikaya Tynes had a season-best eight points, shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from the floor. 

• The Dukes recorded season-highs in assists (16), defensive rebounds (39) and field goal percentage (48.3%, 28-58) against W&M. 

• The Dukes have won six straight CAA openers following Friday's victory. 

UNCW

• UNCW fell in its first two CAA contests, dropping a 77-67 decision against Northeastern before a heartbreaking overtime loss to Drexel (71-68). 

• Sierra DaCosta averaged 21.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, setting season-highs for points in back-to-back contests. 

• DaCosta scored 18 points against Northeastern before a game-high 24 points versus Drexel. She has scored in double figures 10 games this season. 

• Against Northeastern, Micah Hoggatt recorded her first career double-double. Hoggatt tallied a career-high 20 points and a season-best 12 rebounds. 

• Allie Best tallied double figures scoring in both games with a season-high 11 points on Tuesday, followed by 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks on Sunday.  

• Jayde Gamble recorded the best scoring output of her freshman season. She scored a season-high nine points at Northeastern.  

• UNCW leads the CAA in team three-point field goal percentage (34.3%) and free throw percentage (75.8%).  

Northeastern

• Northeastern started CAA play 2-0 with wins over UNCW (77-67) and Hofstra (64-51). 

• Kendall Currence averaged 20.0 ppg to lead the Huskies, including a career-high 27 points on 11-of-16 shooting against UNCW. 

• Currence ranks sixth in the CAA averaging 15.1 ppg. She has scored in double figures 10 times this season and has led the Huskies in scoring in the previous seven games. 

• Against UNCW, Katie May tied her career-high with 18 points, making a career-best seven field goals (7-10), including 4-of-7 from behind the arc. May added six rebounds and also tied a career-high with three blocks. 

• On Tuesday, Claudia Soriano contributed 12 points, a game-high six assists, three rebounds and two steals. 

• Five players scored eight or more points versus Hofstra. Emily Calabrese reached double figures with 11 points, while Izzy Larsen tied a career-high with nine.  

• Northeastern has won five of its previous six conference openers. The wins are the first career CAA victories for head coach Bridgette Mitchell. 

Towson

• Towson extended its winning streak to eight games, starting CAA play 2-0 with wins over Elon (66-54) and William & Mary (91-55). 

• Aleah Nelson paced Towson with 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, adding five assists and three steals against William & Mary. 

• Against Elon, Anissa Rivera scored a season-high 23 points, adding nine rebounds and three steals. Nineteen points came after halftime, including 18 in the third quarter. 

• Allie Kubek recorded her second double-double this season versus Elon. She tallied 12 points and a season-best 11 rebounds.  

• With a pair of double-figure performances, Nelson and Kubek have now scored 10+ points in 11 of 12 contests.

• Rayne Tucker tallied her first double-double this season, with 15 points and 11 rebounds against William & Mary. 

• Towson leads the CAA in rebounding (+9.3) and scoring margin (+21.3).

• The 11-1 start is the best since 1976-77 and is among the top in program history. 

 William & Mary

• William & Mary suffered a pair of setbacks in its opening weekend of conference play. The Tribe fell to James Madison (67-39) before a setback against Towson (91-55). 

• Bre Bellamy paced the Tribe against JMU, tying a season-best, with 15 points. She added five rebounds and a pair of blocks. 

• Sydney Wagner led William & Mary with 12 points at Towson after grabbing a career-high eight rebounds against JMU. 

• Four of Wagner's seven made field goals came from behind the arc. She is third in the CAA with 27 made three-pointers.  

• Wagner leads the Tribe with nine double-digit scoring efforts, while Bellamy has seven. 

• Riley Casey added 11 points and a season-high six assists against Towson.  

• William & Mary is second in the CAA in team free throw percentage, shooting 74.5% from the charity stripe. 

• All 12 of the Tribe's opponents have been from Virginia (9) and Maryland (3).