May 11, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova University women's basketball team celebrated its highly successful 2008-09 season at the annual team banquet held on Sunday, May 3. The event was held on campus at the Connelly Center.

Family and friends joined the players and staff for brunch and to honor the Wildcats for their season achievements and to say good bye to the 2009 senior class. The five senior members of the graduating class include Erin Hardiman, Lisa Karcic, Laura Kurz, Siobhan O'Connor and Briana Weiss.

Chosen to finish 10th in the preseason Big East coaches poll, the Wildcats went 19-14 overall and 10-6 in league play. The 10-6 conference mark was good enough for a fourth place tie and a double bye in the Big East Tournament. Villanova was rewarded for its fine season by earning an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

University President Reverend Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., opened the speaking portion of the banquet by giving remarks on behalf of the university. Donohue applauded the team for representing the school in such a first class fashion. Head coach Harry Perretta followed Donohue as the event's featured speaker. Perretta praised his team for showing perseverance for rebounding after a slow start to the season. He also recognized the team for their unselfish attitude and strong work ethic.

Five individual awards were handed out during the banquet. The award winners included senior guard Siobhan O'Connor (Scholar-Athlete), junior guard Maria Getty (Best Defensive Player), senior forward Lisa Karcic (Coaches' Award), junior guard Kyle Dougherty ( Most Improved) and senior forward Laura Kurz (MVP).

Highlighting the banquet was the presentation of the NCAA Tournament participation watches. Father Donohue and Athletic Director Vince Nicastro handed the commemorative watches to all 15 team members along with the team managers.

2008-09 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL AWARD WINNERS:

BIG EAST ACCOLADES:
Laura Kurz - First Team; Co-Most Improved Player
Harry Perretta - Co-Coach of the Year

PHILADELPHIA BIG FIVE HONORS:
Laura Kurz - Player of the Year; First Team
Siobhan O'Connor - Sportsmanship Award; Second Team
Maria Getty - All-Academic Team; Second Team

CoSIDA/ESPN THE MAGAZINE ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM:
Maria Getty - District II First Team

TEAM AWARDS:
Siobhan O'Connor - Scholar-Athlete
Maria Getty - Best Defensive Player
Lisa Karcic - Coaches' Award
Kyle Dougherty - Most Improved Player
Laura Kurz - Most Valuable Player