FREEPORT, BAHAMAS -University of Denver women's basketball forward Jesse Spittel (Yorba Linda, Calif.) was named to the Freeport Division All-Star team on Saturday at The Junkanoo Jam.

"Incredible honor for Jesse," head coach Kerry Cremeans said. "I was so happy to see her get recognized for her consistent play over the weekend against two very tough opponents. Our team improved and got better while at the tournament and the production of Jesse and our inside game proves that."

The junior came up big in both games that the Pioneers played in, finishing with tournament averages of 10.5 points per game, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 steals. In DU's highly-anticipated matchup with No. 3 Notre Dame, Spittel provided an inside presence down on the low block, scoring 11 points and grabbing five rebounds in 36 minutes of action.

"I was excited to play such great schools at this tournament," Spittel said. "An opportunity to play Notre Dame does not come often. As a smaller school among the big dogs, we knew we wanted to represent DU and leave our mark, which I think we did.

"I feel honored to have received the all-star recognition, but I would not have experienced this success without the constant encouragement and confidence from my teammates and coaches. My teammates were able to find me a bunch down in the low post and trusted me to finish the opportunities they gave me," Spittel further added. "I felt like we grew as a team on this trip, and I am excited to carry this momentum forward the rest of the season."

The former Orange Lutheran High standout closed out her tournament in style on Saturday, scoring 10 points and snatching nine rebounds against a very athletic Louisiana Tech team, narrowly missing out on her first double-double of the season.

Spittel joins Brandi Wingate of Louisiana Tech, Monique Billings of UCLA, and Notre Dame's Marina Mabrey on the team.

The Pioneers (1-4) continue their five-game road trip with a game at Seattle University this upcoming Thursday, Dec. 3. Start time is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT.

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