Mercy University Athletics

Bender had another impressive month to start her college career, averaging 12.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. The freshman recorded double-digit points in five of the six games, including a month-high 23 points and eight rebounds at UDC on December 8th. The guard opened the month with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting against St. Thomas Aquinas on December 5th. Bender later posted 13 points and six rebounds against Queens on December 12th and poured in ten points in games against Dominican and Molloy on December 15th and 19th. The one-time ECC Rookie of the Week during the month also averaged 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, starting all six games during the month.