April 14, 2002

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - After a 23-7 campaign and a second consecutive postseason appearance, the Siena women's basketball program celebrated at its postseason banquet held at the Century House in Latham Sunday evening. The Siena Class of 2002 was honored as well-Meaghan McGonagle, Chrissy Loeliger and team manager Mae Silver.

Loeliger (Springfield, Penn./Villa Maria) received the Vicki Aromando Award, which honors the player that blends true excellence in athletics and academics. Loeliger was named to the MAAC All-Academic team this year with a 3.26 GPA in History Education.

McGonagle (Warwick, R.I./Pilgrim) was named the team's Most Improved Player. The center came on strong at the end of the season and averaged 1.5 ppg and 2.0 rpg in her final season with the Green and Gold.

Sophomore Jolene Johnston (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year. Often matched up with players much larger, Johnston held her own in the paint while averaging 7.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg.

The Joe Hogan Award given to the player who best exemplifies true dedication, desire and attitude for her team and the game was given to junior Erica Anderson (N. Easton, Mass./Oliver Ames) for the second year in a row. Anderson led the team for the second straight season in minutes, three-pointers and assists.

Two-time MAAC Player of the Year Gunta Basko (Olaine, Latvia/Riga Secondary #3) was named the team's Most Valuable Player. The junior led the Saints in scoring, rebounding, steals and three-point percentage. Basko became just the third player to be named conference player of the year twice.

Siena finished the season 23-7 and lost in the WNIT first round to St. Joseph's. The Saints will return all five starters for the 2002-2003 campaign.