Fornia named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week

Feb. 20, 2018

BIG EAST RELEASE

Vanderbilt freshman attacker Gabrielle Fornia has been honored as the BIG EAST Freshman of the Week for her four-point performance in the Commodores’ 22-12 win over Fresno State Monday afternoon. Fornia scored her first two collegiate goals in the game, along with two assists.

The Mount Laurel, N.J. native now has seven points through her first two games as a Commodore, and is quickly carving out a role for herself as one of the team’s top distributors. Fornia’s five assists lead the Dores, and her seven points rank fourth on the roster. Her 10 shots are tied for fourth.

Vanderbilt head coach Cathy Swezey saw Fornia and her fellow freshmen as driving forces in the win over Fresno State.

“I thought the freshmen had a great game. I think they made contributions all over the field,” Swezey said. “Gabby Fornia missed some shots in her first game, and she comes out and scores two big goals in the second half. We were just really psyched with [our freshmen’s] game.”

Fornia had three assists in her college debut, an 18-14 win over Kennesaw State last Sunday, but did not score a goal on six shots. She cashed in with her first two VU scores on Monday, while adding two more assists in her second consecutive start.

“We’re really happy with her,” Swezey said. “I think we have a player on our hands. I think she’s going to do a lot of great things.”

The honor is Vanderbilt’s second BIG EAST weekly award of the season through two weeks of action. Julie Blaze was the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Week for week one.

The Commodores’ next game is the team’s home opener on Saturday at 1 p.m. against Furman at the VU Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. Admission is free.