Nov. 20, 2009

NAPERVILLE, IL--The 2009 Great West Conference All-Newcomer Team was selected by the league coaches and announced on Thursday (Nov. 19) with UTPA's Rita Gonzalez (Phoenix, AZ/Phoenix College) named as one of seven players to make the team.

"I am proud of Rita, she has done an excellent job of running our offense this season," said head coach Angela Hubbard. "The great thing about Rita is that she is a threat at the net offensively as well as being a solid defensive player. She is very deserving of this award," added Hubbard.

Gonzalez, a junior, led the Broncs in assists with 404 (4.93/game) and ranks second on the team in digs with 178 (2.17/game) and second in service aces with 22.

The announcement comes the day before the inaugural Great West Conference Championship, hosted by Houston Baptist University, Friday and Saturday at Sharp Gym. The Broncs face the University of South Dakota Friday at 10:00 a.m.