Jontelle Smith looks to lead her Gaels over the weekend, as Saint Mary's plays their final home games of the 2008 season.

Feb. 27, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

This Week in Saint Mary's Basketball... The Gaels will host their final two West Coast Conference regular season games this week, as they face Portland and Gonzaga in McKeon Pavilion. Saint Mary's, who is currently tied for fifth in the WCC, will look to record two important wins this week against the Pilots and the Bulldogs. Gonzaga (WCC 11-1) has already clinched the WCC regular season title (their fourth straight), while the Pilots (WCC 5-7) are battling with the Gaels (WCC 5-7) for the best possible finish before the WCC tournament begins.

On the road against these two teams the Gaels were unable to post a win, falling to Gonzaga 74-50 and Portland 80-78. Saint Mary's will seek vengeance on both of these teams, as it is their last opportunity to play in front of their home crowd. For seniors Lauren Shaughnessy and Serena Benavente, it is their final appearance in McKeon Pavilion, after spending five years at Saint Mary's. The two seniors will be honored for their commitment to Saint Mary's and the women's basketball program prior to tip-off of the Gonzaga game, on Saturday, March 1 at 2:00 pm. The first match-up of the week, against Portland, will begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 28. Both games will be broadcast live on internet radio, at www.SMCGaels.com.

Scouting the Pilots Portland currently holds a 15-12 overall record and 5-7 record in the West Coast Conference. In their last home game of the season Portland was defeated by the Gonzaga Bulldogs, 87-67. The Pilots were held to a 37.8 shooting percentage (28-of-74) in the game, while the Bulldogs shot 50.0 percent (34-of-68) from the floor. The Pilots were out rebounded by 20 in the game, as they recorded 67 rebounds to Gonzaga's 87. Although the Pilots were dominated on the boards, that was not the downfall of the game, as Gonzaga only converted 15 points off second chance opportunities.

Rachel Warren led the Pilots in scoring, posting 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. Warren also chipped in five rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals. Joining Warren in double-digits was Tara Cronin, recording 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Laura Thomas led the Pilots in rebounding, pulling down nine on the night, while Karlie Burris led the team in assists, dishing out six.

Laiken Dollente is leading the team in scoring with 14.2 points per game, while shooting 37.2 percent from the floor.

Saint Mary's Versus Portland The Gaels hold the advantage in the series against the Pilots, posting a 26-18 all-time record against Portland. Saint Mary's defeated the Pilots in both appearances last season, while winning the last six match-ups between the two teams before this season.

The Pilots broke the Gaels' six game winning streak earlier this year, as they defeated Saint Mary's 80-78. Junior guard Jontelle Smith posted a game-high 25 points in the ball game, as she was 7-of-17 from the floor, 3-of-8 from three point land, and 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Smith also chipped in a game-high five steals, while adding four rebounds and two assists.

Scouting the Bulldogs Gonzaga has had an impressive run at the 2008 WCC season, posting a 7-0 record in their first seven games and an 11-1 overall record. The Bulldogs have defeated every WCC opponent at least once, with their only loss coming against Loyola Marymount on February 2, 75-60. Following a win over the Portland Pilots on February 23, the Bulldogs clinched their fourth consecutive regular season title. Just two more foes await Gonzaga in the WCC regular season, as Saint Mary's and Santa Clara still have their second chance to defeat the Bulldogs.

In WCC play the Bulldogs are averaging an impressive 77.5 points per game, while shooting almost 50 percent from the field with a 45.5 percent mark. Gonzaga is out rebounding their opponents on the year, recording 42.1 to their opponents' 35.7 rebounds per game.

Heather Bowman is leading Gonzaga in scoring, posting 19.5 points per game. Bowman's 19.5 points per game places her first in the WCC in scoring per game. To go along with her 429 points this season, Bowman is shooting 53.3 percent (160-300) from the floor and 80.7 percent (109-of-135) from the free throw line. In addition to being a point scoring threat, Bowman leads the Bulldogs in rebounding, averaging 8.5 rebounds per game.

One other Bulldogs averages double-digits in scoring, in Courtney Vandersloot's 10.6 points per game. Just shy of double-digits are Jami Bjorklund and Michelle Elliot, averaging 9.9 and 9.6 points respectively. Vandersloot has totaled 158 assists already this season, 100 more assists than any other Gonzaga player.

Saint Mary's Versus Gonzaga Although the Gaels hold a 22-21 all-time record against the Bulldogs, they have not defeated Gonzaga in their last eight outings. The Gaels were unable to defeat the Bulldogs earlier this season, falling 74-50 in Spokane, WA. The Gaels were led by freshman forward Louella Tomlinson with 11 points, while junior guard Jontelle Smith chipped in 10. In front of 1,504 fans at the McCarthey Athletic Center, sophomore Heather Bowman led all scorers with a game-high 21 points. Bowman was 8-of-13 from the field, while also chipping in six rebounds.

This is Why I'm Hot... Junior guard Jontelle Smith led the Gaels in scoring this weekend, as they split road games against San Francisco and San Diego. Smith averaged an impressive 26.5 points in the two games, while shooting 56.7 percent (17-of-30) from the floor. The Pinole native was on fire from beyond the arc, recording five three pointers in both games. Smith's shooting percentage increased when shooting from long distance, as she hit 10-of-14 from three point range (71.4 percent). The guard also shot well from the free throw line, hitting 9-of-11 on the week.

Against San Francisco Smith scored a career-high 30 points, leading the Gaels over the Dons in an 86-73 victory. Smith was 9-of-15 from the floor and 5-of-7 from three in the game, while knocking down 7-of-8 free throws.

While in San Diego the junior continued to be a terror from long range, hitting four three-pointers in the first half. Smith posted 19 points in the first half alone, and finished with a game-high 23 points.

Smith For Three!!! Junior guard Jontelle Smith has been a threat from long range throughout her career at Saint Mary's. The guard totaled 106 made three pointers after her first two seasons as a Gael, and has remained on target from beyond the arc. This year the Pinole native has already knocked down 76 threes, with a 31.3 shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Her 76 threes this season boosts her total count to 182 threes in her career. The junior is just three three pointers away from breaking the record for the most three pointers in a career (185), held by Anja Bordt `91.

Last week Smith recorded back-to-back games knocking down five three pointers, while only taking seven attempts each night. Smith knocked down seven three-pointers against UC Davis on December 17, breaking her previous best of five threes in a contest.

NCAA Sharp Shooter Jontelle Smith currently ranks second in the NCAA Division I in three-pointers made per game and first in the West Coast Conference, with a 3.2 average. The Gael guard has been in the Top-10 of the NCAA throughout the majority of the season, and currenlty ranks second to Sade Logan of Robert Morris, averaging 3.9 three pointers per game.

Check Three Against the Pepperdine Waves on February 16 Louella Tomlinson tabbed five blocks to push her count to 134 blocks on the year. The Aussie's 134 blocks ties the record for blocks in a career at Saint Mary's. With the SMC career record Tomlinson has broken every Gael block record in one season (career, season, game).

Prior to Tomlinson's Arrival at SMC Career: 134; Season; 50, Game: 5

Post Tomlinson - Career: +139; Season; +139; Game: 11

Aussie Tops WCC Record With three blocks against San Francisco, freshman Louella Tomlinson tied the WCC single season record for blocks. The freshman tied the record of 137 blocks against the Dons, and then picked-up two against San Diego to hold the outright record. The Aussie has now recorded 139 blocks this season, as she looks to shatter the old WCC record and move on to the NCAA. Tomlinson has posted 58 blocks in WCC games this season, as she needs just three more to clinch the record of blocks in a single season in WCC games only.

Chasing NCAA Records Freshman forward Louella Tomlinson has been chasing many Saint Mary's and WCC records this season, but she has not forgotten about the NCAA. Tomlinson's block count is currently at 139 overall and 58 in WCC play. The record for blocks in a season in the NCAA Div. I is 152, recorded by Amie Williams of Jackson State in 2003. Just 13 blocks away the freshman ranks ninth in the record books, and with three more games to play Tomlinson has an opportunity to break a national record. When looking at freshman records, Tomlinson ranks second in blocks in a season by a freshman, with Alyssa De Hann capturing the first spot during her freshman season (2007) with 145 blocks. If Tomlinson can continue to average 5.0 blocks per game she will capture that record as well.

National Leader Freshman forward Louella Tomlinson currently leads the NCAA Div. I in blocks per game for the eighth week in a row. Tomlinson battled Michigan State's 6-9 center, Alyssa DeHann, at the beginning of the season for the first place spot, with this week being the eighth consecutive week that Tomlinson has been able to out block the Spartan. Tomlinson averages 5.0 blocks per game (28 games), while DeHann has dropped to 4.0 blocks per game (29 games).

Record Breaking News Freshman forward Louella Tomlinson had a record breaking performance against the Fresno State Bulldogs on December 12, totaling seven blocks to improve her block count to 57 on the year. The forward's 57 blocks captured the record for most blocks in a season, destroying the previous record of 50 held by Pia Paivio.

New Kid on the BLOCK Freshman forward Louella Tomlinson broke the record for blocks in a game, tallying eight against the Pacific Tigers on November 28. Tomlinson out did herself on February 14 against LMU, totalling 11 blocks in the game. Prior to Tomlinson's arrival at Saint Mary's the record for blocks in a game was five, held by Pia Paivio since 1991.

Shaughnessy More than an Athlete Senior guard Lauren Shaughnessy was recognized for her academic and athletic achievements by the ESPN The Magazine/CoSida All-Academic District VIII honors, as announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSida).

Shaughnessy is currently enrolled in the Graduate School of Business at Saint Mary's College, after earning a degree in Kinesiology: Sport and Recreation Management (major) and Business Administration (minor). The Washington native held a 3.769 GPA while obtaining her undergraduate degree, and finished her first semester of graduate school with a 3.620 GPA.

The fifth year senior currently averages 10.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Shaughnessy is also chasing the record for steals in a career, as she needs 7 more to tie the record at 221. This season Shaughnessy has accumulated 297 points, 162 rebounds, 57 steals, 85 assists, and eight blocks.

The Little Giant Senior Lauren Shaughnessy is small in stature, but big in heart. The Gaels' point guard stands at 5-4, but that does not stop her from doing a big job. Shaughnessy is currently second on the team in rebounding, averaging 5.8 boards per contest. Shaughnessy is 11th in the West Coast Conference in rebounds per game, and seventh in the conference in offensive rebounds, averaging 2.25 a contest. Although she is usually the smallest player on the court, the senior uses her exceptional quickness and nose for the ball to pick up multiple rebounds per game. The senior recorded a career-high 17 rebounds against Loyola Marymount on January 19, breaking her previous best of 11 rebounds in a game.

Tomlinson Earns WCC Player of the Week (1/14/08) Louella Tomlinson led Saint Mary's to a victory over Santa Clara in its conference opener, as the Gaels edged the Broncos on Saturday, January 12, 74-71. Tomlinson continued her outstanding freshman campaign, notching her second double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds. She shot .438 (7-of-16) from the field, and also pitched in six blocks and three assists to lead the team. For her efforts the forward was named WCC Player of the Week, marking Tomlinson's first conference recognition of her career.

Lahde Returns for Fifth Year After suffering a season ending knee injury against the Pacific Tigers on November 28, senior Maija Lahde was unsure whether she would play in a Gael jersey again.

Lahde a native of Finland took some time off to go home over the holidays, while her team traveled to Utah for two non-conference games. While in Finland Lahde spoke with family and friends, taking time to decide whether she would return to Saint Mary's for the 2008-09 season.

Fortunately for Saint Mary's Lahde recently decided to return for the Gaels next season. "My parents told me that they would support me in whatever I decided. I love it here at Saint Mary's, I love the team and the coaches, and I feel good about the direction the program is going," said Lahde.

Although the senior participated in seven games for the Gaels this season, NCAA Div. I rules allow players to get their year of eligibility back if they played in less than 30 percent of the team's competition schedule. Luckily for Head Coach Paul Thomas and the Gaels, Lahde played in 23% of Saint Mary's schedule, not including West Coast Conference Tournament action, allowing her to medically redshirt the 2007-08 season.

At 24 years old Lahde will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the young 2008-09 squad. Lahde will join juniors Jontelle Smith and Mikaela Cowles for their senior seasons.

Gael Pick Pocket Senior Lauren Shaughnessy has accumulated 57 steals this season. Shaughnessy has picked up 57 steals in 28 games, ranking third in the WCC in steals per game with 2.0 a contest. The senior is narrowing in on the all-time career steal record, as she needs 7 more steals to tie the record at 221 steals. After picking up one steal against Portland on February 2, Shaughnessy became just the second Saint Mary's player to reach the 200 steal mark in a career. Shaughnessy recorded 157 steals in her first three years as a Gael, and has tabbed 57 so far this season.

SWAT Team As a team the Gaels currently rank fourth in the NCAA Division I in blocks per game, posting 6.3 per contest (177 total). Freshman Louella Tomlinson leads the way for the Gaels, recording a team-high 139 blocks. Lindsay Ellis has added to the team total, posting 15 blocks, while Lauren Shaughnessy and Leanna Richey have tabbed eight and seven blocks respectively. Rounding out the block total is junior Mikaela Cowles with two and Maija Lahde, Kira Kojola, Sierra Chambers, Suzie Davis, Serena Benavente and Erika Ruiz with one block apiece. The NCAA Division I includes 326 teams from around the nation.

Lahde Named Classic MVP Maija Lahde put up two back-to-back MVP performances in one weekend, as she led the Gael's to the Hilton Concord Thanksgiving Classic title. The senior forward averaged 19 points and eight rebounds in two games, while also compiling six steals, five assists, and one block.

On the first night of the classic against the Yale Bulldogs, Lahde recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Finland native shot fifty percent from the field on 5-of-10 shooting, while also pitching in two steals and three assists. The next night out Lahde scored a game-high 24 points against Boise State. The senior forward shot 10-of-12 from the free-throw line, sealing the Gael's win down the stretch. Lahde's eight rebounds and four steals against the Bulldogs were also game highs.

Lahde was named the Concord Hilton Thanksgiving Classic Most Valuable Player for her efforts.

Shaughnessy Shatters Career-Highs Senior guard Lauren Shaughnessy played the game of her career on Friday, November 23, leading the Gaels in a 15-point win over the visiting Yale Bulldogs. The guard recorded five career-highs on the night, in points, rebounds, blocks, field goals made, and field goals attempted. Shaughnessy tallied 26 points in the Gael's win, shattering her previous career-high by nine points. The 5-4 senior out-rebounded every other player on the floor, posting a game-high 11 rebounds, while setting a new career record. Though small in stature, Shaughnessy also chipped in a career-high three blocks. Adding to her record breaking night the Washington native recorded career-highs in field goals made with 10 and field goals attempted with 17. Shaughnessy was also named an all-tournament selection for her performances over the weekend.

Lahde WCC Player of the Week (11/12/07) Saint Mary's Maija Lahde enjoyed an outstanding opening weekend to the 2007-08 season, leading the Gaels to a 2-1 record at the Basketball Traveler's Classic in Waco, TX. The senior posted solid all-around numbers, averaging 11.0 points and 6.7 rebounds through three games, and shooting .438 (14-for-32) percent from the floor. Lahde pitched in 10 points in a win over Prairie View A&M on Friday, before scoring a game-high 19 points with 12 boards in Sunday's 87-65 victory over Howard. The native of Finland was just two assists shy of a triple-double in Sunday's win.

Smith Garners All-Tournament Honors Junior Jontelle Smith earned all-tournament accolades after her stellar performance at the Basketball Traveler's Tip-Off Tournament. The 5-5 junior guard averaged 13.7 points per game, while also chipping in 11 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Smith tied her career-high five three pointers against Prairie View in the opening game of the tournament. The junior guard went 8-of-22 from behind the arc and 13-of-19 from the charity stripe in the tournament.

Gaels in Top-10 of WCC Overall (as of 02/26/08) Multiple members of the Saint Mary's squad rank in the top-10 of West Coast Conference statistical categories. Junior guard Jontelle Smith leads the way for the Gaels currently ranking fifth in the WCC in scoring, averaging 17.0 points per game. Smith ranks first in three-point field goals made, totaling 76 three-pointers on the year for a 3.2 average. The junior guard also ranks second in three-point field goal percentage, with 41.3 percent mark.

Other Gaels topping the list are Lauren Shaughnessy, Serena Benavente, and Louella Tomlinson. Shaughnessy ranks third in steals with 2.04 per game. The 5-4 senior guard ranks 11th in rebounding (5.8) and seventh in offensive rebounds per game, picking up 2.25 a game. Benavente ranks seventh in free throw percentage, tabbing a 77.9 percent mark. Tomlinson tops the blocks per game category, averaging 4.9, while also placing 10th in rebounding (6.0) and ninth in scoring (12.7).

Gael Coverage This season Saint Mary's athletics is bringing fans more media coverage for women's basketball games than ever before. All of the women's basketball games will air live on the radio at SMCGaels.com.

In addition to radio coverage, fans will have the opportunity to watch the Gaels live at any home game, via an internet streaming package available at www.SMCGaels.com. To access the live video streaming, fans must sign up by clicking on the "Gael All Access" button located in the upper right hand corner of the www.SMCGaels.com home page.

Through CSTV fans can sign-up for three different packages; $6.99 for a month of Gael coverage, $49.95 for a year of Gael coverage, or $119.95 for a year of coverage for all CSTV sponsored schools. By signing up for one of these three packages fans can watch all of the women's basketball games held in McKeon Pavilion.

WCC Basketball Championship on CSTV The 2008 West Coast Conference women's basketball tournament championship game will be broadcast by College Sports Television (CSTV), WCC Commissioner Michael Gilleran announced on Wednesday. The March 9 telecast will mark the second straight season that the deciding contest for the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament will be broadcast live to a national television audience. The WCC women's basketball tournament will run March 6-9, 2008 at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on the University of San Diego campus.

"We are very excited to announce that the WCC Tournament women's championship will be broadcast live to a national audience once again this season," said Gilleran. "We are eager to showcase our conference's outstanding female student-athletes, and would like to acknowledge CSTV for their role in highlighting WCC women's basketball."

The 17th annual WCC women's basketball tournament begins with four first round contests on Thursday, March 6. The teams will re-seed for the semifinal round, which will take place on Saturday, March 8 before the championship game on Sunday, March 9 at 1:30 PM (PST).

The West Coast Conference has placed multiple women's basketball teams in the postseason for nine straight years, and 12 times in the past 13 seasons. Gonzaga captured the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament last year, as the No. 1 seeded Zags topped Loyola Marymount in the final to earn the program's first-ever WCC Tournament title. All eight WCC women's basketball programs have claimed the tournament crown at least once.

CSTV (Direct TV channel 610, Dish Network channel 152) officially began in April 2003 as the first 24-hour network devoted exclusively to college sports. Since then, CSTV has televised more than 6,000 hours of original programming, features, talk shows and documentaries as well as more women's sports coverage than any other network. Its regular season and championship event coverage draws from every major collegiate athletic conference and division, in addition to nine NCAA championships. With nearly 15 million subscribers, CSTV currently has agreements with distributors representing more than 52 million homes nationwide.

"The Breakfast Club" Saint Mary's head women's basketball coach Paul Thomas announced the new Coach Thomas Breakfast Club schedule. The club will now meet at Roncalli Hall in the Founder's Dining Room on the Saint Mary's campus.

This is your opportunity to get the inside scoop on the women's basketball program. Coach Thomas will talk about upcoming games, and what the Gaels need to do to be successful. Player guests and door prizes will also be a part of the event. The cost of the breakfast is $5 per person and includes eggs, sausage/bacon, toast, potatoes and juice/coffee. All fans, alumni and friends of the college are welcome.

Eight dates have been set, with all breakfast times slated for 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. The first breakfast is scheduled for November 13 and will continue until the last meeting on March 4, 2008.

Coming Up Next The Gaels begin post season at the West Coast Conference tournament on Thursday, March 6. The time of the game as not yet been determined, as the seedings will be completed at the end of regular season. All the Saint Mary's games at the WCC tournament will be broadcast live on internet radio at www.SMCGaels.com.