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BACK-UP forward Ashleigh Spencer has earned a second season with the Bendigo Bank Spirit.
The club announced they had re-signed the 23-year-old, affectionately known as 'Splash' on Tuesday.
Spencer played her first WNBL season last year under head coach Simon Pritchard, who recruited her from Adelaide where he had coached her at the under 20 Australian National Championships.
While she played limited game time last season, Pritchard has set the 181cm former College player tough goals under Ballarat Rush SEABL coach, and Spirit assistant, David Flint.
She has delivered, averaging 13.7 points and 6.5 rebounds a game, despite battling an ankle injury.
“We are pleased to have Splash back as she is the glue in the team,” Pritchard said.
“She takes on any and all roles at training to prepare us, week in, week out.
“She is shredding the pre-season work with The Human Mechanics and I am hoping she will be in the best shape of her life and take on the new season pressing for more court time by delivering strong performances.
Spencer said she was excited and grateful to be back with Bendigo for another season.
“I had an awesome time last year, learning from the best players in the league, and can't wait to further develop my game and offer more to the program.”
Spencer left Hannibal-LaGrange University in rural Missouri after four years as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics division one college's leading scorer with 1922 points.
She was named a NAIA All-American in three consecutive seasons and first team All-Conference three times.
Spencer averaged 6.1 minutes court time in her debut WNBL season.
The former South Australian is the Spirit’s eighth signing for the 2016-17 season.
Others are two-time WNBL All Star team selection,Kelsey Griffin, two-time championship centre Gabe Richards, returning guards Kerryn Harrington and Heather Oliver, new imports Blake Dietrick and Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe and former South East Queensland forward Nadeen Payne.