ROCHESTER, NY - Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) and Madison Marusic (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) of the Utica University women's basketball team have been named Empire 8 Women's Basketball Weekly Award winners, as announced by the league on Monday. 

Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) has been named Empire 8 Co-Player of the Week. Hall powered the Pioneer offense to a victory over Norwich in a pre-Thanksgiving showdown. Hall led the Pioneers with 22 points while shooting .643 from the floor, .667 from three point range, and was 2-2 in her attempts from the free throw line. Hall also managed to haul in nine total rebounds, as well as nabbing a steal and posting a block. 

Madison Marusic (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) has been named Empire 8 Rookie of the Week. Freshman Marusic was a key piece of the Pioneer offense in the team's win over Norwich pre-Thanksgiving. Marusic managed 12 points on .500 shooting from the floor, along with a made three point basket, and made her only attempt from the free throw line. Marusic dished out a pair of assists in the contest, as well as nabbing three rebounds.  

Hall, Marusic, and the Pioneers are back in action this evening as the team travels to take on the RPI Engineers. Tip off from Troy, NY is set for 5pm.