Exton native Bella Smuda, a freshman on the women’s basketball team at Liberty University, has been recognized as the Atlantic Sun Conference Freshman of the Week.

Smuda, a 6-foot-5 center and graduate of Downingtown East High School, was effective during the Lady Flames’ two home victories over North Alabama last weekend, as she totaled 19 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks in 25 minutes.

For the weekend, Smuda helped Liberty dominate the interior. The Lady Flames topped the Lions in rebounds (90-65), points in the paint (82-38), and second-chance points (50-18) in the two wins.

In high school, Smuda scored more than 1,000 points and grabbed more than 1,000 rebounds as a four-year starter. As a senior, she was a first-team all-state selection.

Smuda, who is majoring in Elementary Education, and the Lady Flames have won nine games in a row, boosting their record to 10-3 overall and 6-0 in the ASUN. In those 13 games, Smuda has averaged 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.