CHICAGO (December 3, 2018) – For the second time in the last three weeks, Loyola University Chicago freshman Janae Gonzales (Tolleson, Ariz./Sierra Linda) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Women's Basketball Newcomer of the Week, it was announced by the league office on Monday afternoon.
 
Gonzales averaged a team-high 17.5 points in Loyola's two home victories last week.  The Tolleson, Ariz. native was one of five Ramblers to score in double figures in a 76-40 win over Chicago State, chipping in 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks against the Cougars.  Three days later, Gonzales erupted for 22 points on 7-of-9 shooting, connecting on six threes, as the Maroon & Gold battled past Purdue Fort Wayne, 81-67.
 
Gonzales currently ranks second on the Rambler roster in scoring, averaging 12.5 points, a mark that puts her second amongst Valley freshmen.  The 5-foot-8 guard has knocked down a team-high 14 three-point field goals, operating at just under a 36 percent clip (14-of-39) from distance.
 
Loyola goes after a third-straight win this evening when it takes on Western Michigan in Kalamazoo, Mich. at 6 p.m. (CT).