Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Valparaiso University's Tamra Braun (Savage, Minn./Prior Lake H.S.) has been named to the Mid-Continent Conference First Team and Jenna Stangler (St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville H.S.) has earned Second Team honors as the league announced its annual postseason awards on Wednesday afternoon.

Braun came on strong for the Crusaders during league play. The sophomore center averaged 9.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game during the regular season. Her numbers increased dramatically during Mid-Con action as Braun tallied 11.8 points, grabbed 7.9 boards, and recorded 2.4 blocks per game against league foes.

Stangler led the Crusaders in scoring this season. The senior forward averaged 12.4 points per game and grabbed 4.7 rebounds per contest. She also shot 83.6% from the free throw line during the regular season. She missed seven league games with an injury, but still averaged 8.4 points and 4.0 boards per game in Mid-Con action.

Valpo (18-9, 12-4 Mid-Con) finished in a tie for second during the regular season and will open defense of its Toshiba Mid-Continent Conference Tournament title on Saturday afternoon against UMKC. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m. in Tulsa, Okla.