Fayetteville, N.C. - The USA South Athletic Conference has released its weekly awards for February 24th, with a pair of Battling Bishops earning accolades. Freshmen Luis Palencia of baseball and Elias Kerem of men's tennis were each tabbed their sport's Rookie of the Week for the first time in their careers.

Baseball Rookie of the Week
Luis Palencia, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman outfielder from Barquisimeto, Venezuela went a combined 8-for-15 (.533) with six runs scored, one run batted in, two walks and seven stolen bases last week for the Bishops. In a 9-1 win over Maine-Presque Isle, Palencia was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, one walk and three stolen bases. In a 5-2 loss to Washington & Lee, Palencia was 1-for-3 with one run scored and one run batted in. Finally, in two losses to USA South foe Huntingdon, Palencia was a combined 5-for-9 with three runs scored, one walk and four stolen bases.

Men's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Elias Kerem, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman from Stockholm, Sweden earned a 2-1 record at the number-five singles spot and a 2-1 record at various doubles positions last week for the Bishops. Kerem's singles wins were over opponents from Denison and Vassar, while his doubles wins came at the number-three position over Vassar and Mary Washington with Eduardo Ugalde as a partner.

Congratulations Luis and Elias!