ST. LOUIS – After a record-breaking season, Westminster women's basketball senior Andrea Zalis was named the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's Co-Player of the Year for women's basketball, as voted on by the league's head coaches, also earning a first team bid.
"Andrea has been such a solid player for our team for four years and this year, she really had to carry us in many areas," said Westminster Head Coach Tracey Braden. "She never shied away from competition but actually embraced the best of the best. She has put in countless hours throughout her career and found ways to balance her academic load with her commitment to basketball. She truly loves the game!"
Zalis rewrote the record book during her senior season while averaging 17.7 points to lead the SLIAC. In the last game of her career, she set the new career scoring record at Westminster, posting 1,375 points. Her 425 points this season leads the conference and set a new season scoring record, while her 35 points against Blackburn this season set a new gameday scoring record.
Her 199 rebounds this season, a conference-leading 8.3 per game, was a new season rebounds record, and she tied the gameday record for rebounds against Fontbonne early in the season with 17. Zalis also broke the career blocks record with 91.
Zalis led the league in not only points and rebounds, but field goals (138) and three-pointers per game (2.6).
Sophomore Mirrakohl Johnson was selected third team All-Conference.
"MJ has been focused on improving her game since the end of the season last year," said Braden. "She has put in numerous hours on her individual game. Many nights, she and Andrea were the last to leave the gym. I see nothing but great things ahead for MJ. I know this honor will motivate her even more."
Johnson led the league in offensive boards with 94 and 3.9 per game. She averaged 10.3 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per game, which was fourth in the conference.
Kelsey Ray was honored with a spot on the All-Sportsmanship team given to an individual from each team in the conference who demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the year.
"Kelsey is a player who definitely values the game and shows great respect for her teammates and for her opponent," said Braden. "She will always offer a hand to help someone off the floor. I'm proud of how she represents our program!"
Westminster finished the season with a 9-15 record, including a 7-9 record in the conference.