Jan. 13, 2009

LOWELL, MA - Kyle Caiola, a freshman guard from Parma, OH (Parma H.S.), was named the Northeast-10 Conference Freshman of the Week, the Conference announced Monday afternoon.

Caiola posted averages of 21.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting .594 from the field (19-32), .471 from 3-point range (8-17) and .857 from the free throw line (18-21) in a 3-0 week.

"Kyle has taken the ball from day one and has done an incredible job running the point for our team," said UML Head Coach Greg Herenda. "He has been playing like a veteran from our first exhibition game at UConn to this very point in the season."

Currently riding an eight-game winning streak - currently the longest in the NE-10 and UMass Lowell's lengthiest since the 2003-04 season - UMass Lowell posted wins over Le Moyne (76-65 at home) Tuesday; at Saint Rose (81-70) Thursday; and at Pace (71-64) Saturday.

Caiola opened the week with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals in the victory over Le Moyne. He followed with 23 points and four rebounds while shooting 7 of 9 from the field, 2 for 4 from 3-point range and 7 of 8 from the free throw line in the win at Saint Rose.

Caiola capped the week with 25 points and five rebounds while shooting 7 of 10 from the floor, 5 of 8 from long range and 6 of 8 from the charity stripe at Pace's expense.

"He has a chance to be very special as long as he continues to work on his game," Herenda added. "He is fearless and a tremendous competitor."

UMass Lowell returns home Wednesday night against Southern Connecticut (7:30), the first of a five-game stretch in which four are at the Costello Athletic Center.

Caiola is the son of Patricia Metlesitz and Glenn Caiola of Parma, OH.