April 13, 2005

DEXEL HILL, PA - The Saint Joseph's women's basketball program named junior Maura McBryan Most Valuable Player and inducted 1998 graduate Maureen Costello into the SJU Women's Basketball Hall of Fame at Hawks' 29th Annual Awards Banquet Wednesday evening at Drexelbrook.

McBryan, who served as a co-captain this year, received two of nine awards handed out by the Hawks. The lone Saint Joseph's player to start all 30 games this season, McBryan finished third on the squad in scoring at 8.8 points per game and second in rebounding at 5.6 per game. The 6-foot swing player was also honored with the Most Improved Player Award as she added three double-doubles on the season and set new career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks.

A four-year letterwinner for the Hawks, Costello helped Saint Joseph's to two NCAA appearances and two City Series titles during her career. As a senior, Costello earned Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team honors and was named the 1998 Big 5 Most Valuable Player. Costello still stands among the program's elite, ranking 10th in scoring (1,299 points), third in rebounding (952) and eighth in free throws made (333). She was inducted into the Big 5 Hall of Fame this past December.

Among others honored at the banquet were senior Kelly Springman (Chris Dijulia Inspirational Award and Loyalty and Leadership Award), junior Faith Schutte (Reverend Emory Ross Award for Academic Excellence), junior Christen Scanlon (Roosevelt Hunter Community Service Award), sophomore Ayahna Cornish (Best Offensive Player) and freshman Erica Pollock (Best Defensive Player). Saint Joseph's manager Kelly Conlan was recognized with the Unsung Hero Award.