University of St. Thomas Athletics
Photo by: Jenn Fabian
Vallario named WCHA Rookie of the Week for Women's Hockey
12/13/2021 2:02:00 PM | Women's Hockey
Bloomington, Minn. - St. Thomas women's hockey defenseman Nicole Vallario has been selected as the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) Rookie of the Week, the league announced on Monday. It is the second time in Vallario's career that she has earned the accolade, and she is the second Tommie to earn the award, joining fellow freshman Saskia Maurer.
Vallario, a newcomer from Lugano, Switzerland, tallied two goals and two assists over the weekend at Lindenwood for a four-point showing over a two-game span. She also finished with her first-career two-assist output in an overtime loss to the Lions on Saturday. Vallario either scored or assisted on all four of St. Thomas' goals in the series.
The frosh defender matched her previous career-high in blocks with three on Saturday in Maryland Heights, Mo. Vallario received the conference's Rookie of the Week award on Nov. 1 after a two-goal game at RIT on Oct. 29, which included the game-winning score.
This season, Vallario is tied for first on the team in goals (4) and is top five in assists (3), points (7), and shots (42). Her three points at Lindenwood on Dec. 10 and two goals at RIT on Oct. 29 are individual game-highs this season for the Tommies.
ABOUT THE WCHA
The Women's League of the WCHA, the top league in all of women's collegiate hockey, was founded in 1999. The WCHA has been at the forefront of growing and raising the profile of women's hockey nationwide as the league continues to churn out national champions, Patty Kazmaier winners, Olympians, and professional players.
UP NEXT
The Tommies are at No. 4 Minnesota for a home-and-home series beginning on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Minneapolis, Minn.
Vallario, a newcomer from Lugano, Switzerland, tallied two goals and two assists over the weekend at Lindenwood for a four-point showing over a two-game span. She also finished with her first-career two-assist output in an overtime loss to the Lions on Saturday. Vallario either scored or assisted on all four of St. Thomas' goals in the series.
The frosh defender matched her previous career-high in blocks with three on Saturday in Maryland Heights, Mo. Vallario received the conference's Rookie of the Week award on Nov. 1 after a two-goal game at RIT on Oct. 29, which included the game-winning score.
This season, Vallario is tied for first on the team in goals (4) and is top five in assists (3), points (7), and shots (42). Her three points at Lindenwood on Dec. 10 and two goals at RIT on Oct. 29 are individual game-highs this season for the Tommies.
ABOUT THE WCHA
The Women's League of the WCHA, the top league in all of women's collegiate hockey, was founded in 1999. The WCHA has been at the forefront of growing and raising the profile of women's hockey nationwide as the league continues to churn out national champions, Patty Kazmaier winners, Olympians, and professional players.
UP NEXT
The Tommies are at No. 4 Minnesota for a home-and-home series beginning on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Minneapolis, Minn.
Players Mentioned
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