Feb. 27, 2002

Milwaukee - Maria Viall was named the Horizon League Player of the Year in a poll of the league's coaches, media and sports information directors, the league announced today. Jessica Wilhite, Holly Tamm, Allison Klaas and Malika Willoughby also received recognition by the league.

Viall is the first UWM player to receive the league's top award since 1996-97. The sophomore center ranks second among league leaders in scoring (16.8 ) and ranks first in both field goal percentage (.577) and blocked shots (1.59), while also ranking fourth in rebounding (6.9). She was named the Horizon League Player of the Week twice this season and has broken the school single-season record for most field goals and best field goal percentage. Viall was named to the all-newcomer team a year ago.

Wilhite and Tamm were both named to the All-Horizon League Second Team. Wilhite ranks second in the league in three-pointers made (64), 10th in the league in scoring (12.7 ppg) and sixth in steals (59). She was named to the first team last season as a sophomore and to the all-newcomer team her freshman year. Tamm receives recognition by the league as a Panther for the first time after being a first-team selection at UIC in 1998-99. Averaging 10.2 points and 4.5 assists, the senior guard ranks second in the league in assist/turnover ratio (2.11), third in assists (120) and seventh in steals (56).

Willoughby was selected to the Horizon League All-Newcomer as a true freshman this season. She has played the point guard in all 27 games for UWM, starting 19. She averages 5.5 points and 2.2 assists entering the tournament.

In just her second season at UWM, Klaas represents the Panthers on the Horizon League All-Defensive team. The senior guard has played in every game for UWM, starting eight, and averages 4.9 points and 2.4 assists.

Green Bay coach Kevin Borseth was named the Coach of the Year for the third time in his career, while Jen Perugini of Youngstown State was named the Newcomer of the Year.

HORIZON LEAGUE AWARDS

Player of the Year:  Maria Viall, UWM
Coach of the Year:  Kevin Borseth, Green Bay
Newcomer of the Year:  Jen Perugini, Youngstown State


All-Horizon League First Team

Erika Roudebush, Cleveland State
Randee Henry, Detroit
Michelle James, Detroit
Mandy Stowe, Green Bay
Maria Viall, UWM


All-Horizon League Second Team
Molly Peterman, Detroit
Jaysie Chambers, UIC
Sara Boyer, Green Bay
Holly Tamm, UWM
Jessica Wilhite, UWM


All-Newcomer Team
Maria Marchesano, Butler
Ciara Henderson, Loyola
Malika Willoughby, UWM
Tiffany Webb, Wright State
Jen Perugini, Youngstown State


All-Defensive Team
Nancy Bowden, Butler
Michelle James, Detroit
Elizabeth Dudley, Green Bay
Kristy Loiselle, Green Bay
Allison Klaas, UWM