Brooklyn, N.Y. - After an outstanding performance that earned her Most Valuable Player honors at the Peppermill Holiday Classic on Dec. 29-30, senior Ashley Palmer picked up her second straight Choice Hotels/Northeast Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week award on Monday.

The award is the third this season for Palmer, who averaged 21.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in helping Long Island to three victories, including a win over Big XII opponent and previously unbeaten Oklahoma State, to close out the 2011 calendar year. Palmer also was named College Sports Madness NEC Player of the Week, the second such honor of the season.

Palmer registered 20 points and 10 rebounds, while chipping in four assists in a 78-69 home win over William & Mary on Dec. 19. The win improved the Blackbirds to an unblemished 7-0 at the Wellness Center this season.

Ten days later, the 5-10 forward put on a show in LIU's 67-51 win over Nevada in the opening game of the Peppermill Classic. Palmer shot 11-for-15 from the field and scored 27 points to help the Blackbirds cruise into the finals.

Facing an undefeated Oklahoma State squad in the championship game, Palmer flourished with 18 points, five rebounds and a pair of steals as Long Island took a thrilling 64-63 decision over the Cowgirls, and brought home the tournament championship. For her efforts, Palmer was named to the all-tournament team and picked up MVP accolades.

For the season, the Oxford, Pa. native sits atop the NEC and stands 22nd amongst NCAA Division I players in scoring at 19.3 points per game. Palmer, who eclipsed the 1,700-point mark in the game against the Wolf Pack, is just 26 points away from tying the LIU career scoring mark of 1,745 set by Tamika Dudley.

The Blackbirds (12-2) return to NEC action on Saturday, Jan. 7 as they travel to Sacred Heart for a 1:00 p.m. tipoff.