March 5, 2004

Jolene Johnston and Lauren Surber of the Siena College women's basketball team were honored with Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference individual awards this evening at a press conference held at the Pepsi Arena in Albany, N.Y. Johnston was named 2004 MAAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year while Surber was selected the New York Lottery Scholar Athlete of the Year.

Johnston, a 5-9 forward, was also a First Team All-MAAC selection. She was sixth in the conference in scoring with an average of 13.4 points per game and listed twelfth best in the league in rebounds with 6.1 boards per game. In addition to her 1.74 steals per game, Johnston also faired well from the field and free throw line, shooting 43.2 and 77.7 percent, respectively. Johnston shared her award with Canisius' Janel Stevens, who also earned Player of the Year distinction.

An All-Academic selection, Surber was honored for her achievements on the court and in the classroom as well. The 5-9 guard, who sports a 3.7 GPA in English, returned this season after knee surgery to average 5.0 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game in 25.5 minutes per contest. She started 20 of the 27 games played and shot an impressive 75 percent from the free throw line.

After earning a share of the MAAC regular-season title and the top seed in the conference tournament, the Saints recieved a first and second round bye. Siena will match up against Canisius College tomorrow, Saturday, March 6 at 11:30 a.m. in the semifinals. The Green and Gold split regular season play with the Golden Griffins, defeating Canisius 58-56 at home before suffering a 60-56 loss in Buffalo, N.Y.