AMHERST, N.Y. - Daemen College bowler Rachel Steele (Rensselaer, N.Y./Columbia) has been named the East Coast Conference Rookie of the Week for matches held October 10-16.  The official announcement came via the league's weekly report for bowling which was released yesterday afternoon from conference headquarters in Central Islip, N.Y.

Steele, a 5-foot-3 freshman, made her collegiate debut at last weekend's Bud Whitman Memorial Tournament hosted by Kutztown University at Berks Lanes in Reading, Pa.  Steele led Daemen in both Baker scoring (17.26 pins per frame) and team-match scoring (196 pins per match) over the team's nine matches at the tournament.

Steele's efforts helped Daemen pick up two wins at the tournament.  She posted a team-best round of 252 in the Wildcats' 844-676 win over Virginia State University, and went over 200 pins again (217) in a 931-796 win over Mount Aloysius College.

Her team-match scoring average was good for 15th out of 120 bowlers at the event.

Steele and the Wildcats return to action on Wednesday, November 9 when they host crosstown rival Medaille College at Transit Lanes in Williamsville.

For continuing coverage and breaking news surrounding the Daemen women's bowling team follow@DaemenAthletics and @DaemenBowling on Twitter.