(From Bradley University) - Sophomore transfer Catie O'Leary has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week announced by the league office Monday afternoon.

Bradley (9-3 overall) boasts the MVC Newcomer of the Week for the second straight week and three out of the last four, marking the most Newcomer of the Week selections for the Braves since the 2009-10 season. In addition to O'Leary's honor this week, freshman Shronda Butts was the MVC Newcomer of the Week for the week of Dec. 19 and Dec. 5.

O'Leary earned Valley Newcomer of the Week honors for the first time in her career after a career-high 29 points off the bench in just 22 minutes of play as she helped Bradley to a 93-64 win against Western Illinois last Wednesday. She was 10-for-18 from the field, including 6-of-9 from three-point range, helping the Braves match a school record for non-conference victories in a season with their league-leading ninth win of the year.

Bradley returns to action Thursday, opening Missouri Valley Conference play with a 7 p.m. home game against preseason league favorite Missouri State at Renaissance Coliseum. Live coverage with Ed Hammond and Joe Stowell begins Thursday night at 6:40 p.m. on 1290 WIRL.