SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (February 16, 2026) – For the second time this season, Western New England women's basketball's Lottia Barnes has been named the Conference of New England Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week after putting together a career performance against Wentworth this past weekend. 

Barnes opened the week with two points, four rebounds, and two steals in a nail-biting victory over the Hawks of Roger Williams University, sinking both points from the free throw line. Barnes turned up the heat in a weekend victory over Wentworth Institute of Technology with career-highs in multiple statistical categories. Barnes picked up 26 points in the win, going 7/13 from the floor, while splashing four triples on five attempts. Barnes also came down with five rebounds, three steals, and two assists in the win for the Golden Bears. Barnes' seven field goals made matched a season high (11/14 vs. Eastern Connecticut), while her four triples, eight free throws made, three steals, and 26 points are all season highs.

Barnes and the Golden Bears are back on the floor this coming Tuesday, February 17, at 5:30 PM, hosting Nichols College in the final regular-season home game. WNE will then be on the road this coming Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 PM, taking on Johnson & Wales University.