CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (Oct. 14, 2014) - Freshman middle blocker/outside hitter Danielle Valenza (Hauppauge, N.Y.) of the LIU Post volleyball team picked up her first collegiate honor Tuesday, receiving East Coast Conference Rookie of the Week praise.

Valenza averaged 3.8 kills, 2.1 digs and 0,5 blocks per set in a 2-1 week for the Pioneers, while boasting a .305 hitting percentage.

She slammed down 13 kills and rejected three blocks last Tuesday at New Haven (Oct. 7), before totaling 15 and 10 kills, respectively, in 3-0 wins at Roberts Wesleyan (Oct. 11) and Daemen (Oct. 12). Valenza also collected 12 digs in the three-set victory over Roberts for her sixth double-double of 2014.

Through 21 matches this season, Valenza has amassed 222 kills, 154 digs, 42 blocks (34 assist) and 10 service aces. She ranks sixth in the ECC in kills, and seventh in kills per set (3.0) and solo blocks (8).

Valenza and the Pioneers are back in action Thursday (Oct. 16), when they host Mercy in an East Coast Conference showdown at the Pratt Recreation Center. First serve is set for 7 p.m.