FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 3, 2001

CAPPADONA EARNS NEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK

West Long Branch, N.J. – Monmouth senior forward, Michelle Cappadona (Atlantic Highlands, N.J./Red Bank Catholic) was tabbed the Northeast Conference Player of the Week as the league announced its weekly award winners this afternoon.  The two-time defending NEC Defensive Player of the Year takes home her first honor this season.

Cappadona tallied 47 points, 16 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 steals and five blocks in two games last week.  In a 71-61 loss to Seton Hall, she led the Hawks with 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block.  Cappadona then posted her second double-double of the year in the Hawks’ 84-72 win over Fairleigh Dickinson, which was the NEC opener for both teams.  In the contest, Cappadona scored a career-high 30 points and 10 rebounds.  She also tabbed seven steals, five assists and four blocks versus the Knights.

On the season, Cappadona tops the NEC in blocked shots (1.83 bpg) and is tied for the league lead in steals (4.0 spg).  She also ranks among the top ten in the conference in scoring (18.3 ppg, 4th in the NEC), rebounds (7.3 rpg, 10th)  and assists (4.33 apg, 6th).

Cappadona and the Monmouth Hawks return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Quinnipiac University in a 7:00 p.m. game with the Braves.