SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - After helping Union earn a win over Syracuse, freshman Christine Valente earned the title of ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Week.  This is Valente's first time receiving ECAC honors, and the second time in three weeks a Dutchwoman has been chosen. 

The Connecticut native scored her third goal of the season in the 4-3 overtime win over Syracuse on Friday, October 21st. The forward also had the assist to the game-winning goal by senior Chelsey Heinhuis. Valente now has five points in seven games for the Dutchwomen, and she holds the lead in power play goals with two.  

Valente, a promising new addition to Union, has been described by Head Coach Claudia Barcomb as being a fast and instinctive forward.  Harboring great offensive skills, she is expected to quicken the pace of the Dutchwomen. 

A graduate of Choate Rosemary Hall,  the freshman may emerge as a leader, as she was Captain of her high school ice hockey team and received the Rosemary Hall Scarf for Athletic Leadership and Enthusiasm.

Valente and the Dutchwomen are set to host Princeton and Quinnipiac this weekend for Homecoming.  Union takes on the Tigers on Friday, October 28th, at 3:00 p.m. and the Bobcats on Saturday, October 29th, at 3:00 p.m.