Basketball Nabs NEWMAC Postseason Awards

BABSON PARK, Mass. (March 3, 2009) – The New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) recently announced its women’s basketball award winners for the 2008-09 season. Springfield College senior Corey Finch was named Player of the Year for the Conference, while Babson College first year Nicole Wurdeman took home Rookie of the Year accolades. Both players were also placed on the NEWMAC All-Conference First Team. Babson’s Judy Blinstrub earned the Coach of the Year award after guiding her team to the Tournament Championship. Meanwhile, Mount Holyoke College received the league's Sportsmanship Award.

Mount Holyoke junior Erin Cain was voted to the NEWMAC All-Conference Second Team by the league’s coaches. The guard enjoyed a breakout season on the offensive end of the floor while maintaining her reputation as a top notch defender. She started all 26 games for the Lyons, posting team highs of 12.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per outing. Cain drained a squad best 35 three pointers and racked up 46 assists, 35 steals and seven blocked shots. She shot 73.4% (47-64) from the free throw line.

Cain reached double digits in the scoring column 17 times and recorded a pair of double-doubles. She exploded for a career best 24 points in the Lyons 64-54 triumph over the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1/24). Her five three pointers made in the contest were a career high. One of her top efforts of the season came in a 82-74 overtime setback versus Clark University (1/10). The guard sent the contest to overtime with a three pointer at the end of regulation, and she finished with 23 points.

In 79 career games played, Cain has amassed 659 points, 318 rebounds, 121 assists, 105 steals and 78 three pointers made.

Mount Holyoke closed out its 2008-09 campaign with an overall record of 7-19 and a league mark of 4-9.

2008-09 NEWMAC Women’s Basketball Awards

Player of the Year – Corey Finch, Springfield
Rookie of the Year – Nicole Wurdeman, Babson
Coach of the Year – Judy Blinstrub, Babson
Sportsmanship Award - Mount Holyoke College

First Team All-Conference
Corey Finch, Springfield
Kathleen King, Babson
Nicole Wurdeman, Babson
Melissa Martinelli, Coast Guard
Krysten Hickey, Wheaton
Serena Dubois, WPI

Second Team All-Conference
Sarah Roderique, Clark
Erin Cain, Mount Holyoke
Jessica Duff, Wellesley
Natasha Deschene, WPI
Elle Fontaine, WPI