Phillips, Pendergast honored by TCCC for conference tournament heroics

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University senior Erin Phillips (Morristown, N.J.) and freshman Marissa Pendergast (Medfield, Mass.) have been named The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Women's Basketball Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively.

In three TCCC Championship games last week, Phillips averaged 21.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 2.3 steals. The conference's player of the year opened tournament play with a 16-point, 12-rebound effort in a 68-44 win over No. 8 Curry. Two nights later, Phillips notched 18 points and snared six boards in a 56-43 win over No. 5 Regis. On Saturday, Phillips poured in 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out six assists in a 76-74 win over No. 2 University of New England in the conference championship at Rodgers Recreation Center. The win gave Salve Regina its eighth conference championship and sixth NCAA tournament berth since 2002.

"To see the way Erin Phillips has grown over the past four years is amazing," said Salve Regina head coach Cori Hughes. "Against Curry and Regis, she did what she always does for this team, which is a bit of everything: score, rebound, and play great defense. But in the finals against UNE, Erin truly took her game to the next level. She had 30 points and did it by shooting 65 percent from the floor - including 60 percent from behind the arc! She also had 13 rebounds and three blocks, but what I'm most impressed with are three things: her shot selection - every one of her shots was a good shot; her six assists - smart, unselfish basketball; and her composure and leadership all game, especially when the game was on the line."

Pendergast, meanwhile, averaged 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.7 steals coming off the bench for Hughes last week. After registering 10 points and nine rebounds against the Colonels, Pendergast dropped in 19 points and tore down nine rebounds against the Pride on Thursday. She closed the week with a key free throw and three rebounds against the Nor'easters. In three TCCC championship tournament games, Pendergast knocked down 14-of-19 free throws (74 percent). "Marissa is a dynamic and explosive player that just keeps getting better. She simple took over in our semifinal game against Regis - what an amazing game! I look forward to three more incredible years with her," said Hughes.

The NCAA selection show will take place at 1 p.m. this afternoon, at which time the Seahawks first round opponent will be revealed.