April 23, 2007

Moraga, CA- The Saint Mary's women's basketball team put a wrap on its season with an awards banquet. The team along with administrators and fans met together in the conference hall on the first floor of De La Salle on Sunday.

The banquet proved to be a success as the room was packed to the point where fans stood in the hallway to gather for food and to listen to head coach Paul Thomas wrap up the season.

After an impressive spread of food the awards were handed out. Junior guard Serena Benavente was named the team MVP after a solid season.

Lauren Shaughnessy was named the Defensive Player of the Year.

The Seaside, CA native led the team in free throws made and attempts going 96-121 from the charity stripe. Benavente also led the team in assists eight times and in points eight times. She averaged 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game and led the Gaels to an upset win over USD in San Diego where she tallied 13 points and eight boards in the conference victory.

Junior guard Lauren Shaughnessy was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Shaughnessy led the team in steals 14 times and was third in the conference with 2.35 per game. The 5-4 guard grabbed five or more rebounds in 14 games including 10 at Santa Clara.

Senior forward Eghosa Obaiza was tabbed the Most Improved Player. Obaiza averaged 8.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. In 2005-06 Obaiza tallied 5.6 points and 3.1 boards a contest. The 6-2 forward paced the conference in offensive rebounds with 3.36 while her 1.64 blocks per game ranked third. Obaiza's 7.7 boards also ranked third in the league.

Eghosa Obaiza was tabbed Most Improved after a stellar season.

Sophomore guard Jontelle Smith received her All-WCC First Team award while junior forward Maija Lahde collected her All-WCC honorable mention accolade. Smith also received a certificate from the WCC for being named Player of the Week earlier in the season.

Obaiza and Shaughnessy received their WCC All-Academic certificates from the conference office as well.

Obaiza along with Sheridan Arredondo and Victoria Ramirez received their jerseys framed for their senior service to the squad. Obaiza and Arredondo played all four seasons for the Gaels while Ramirez transferred in and suited up for two.