THREE COUGARS RECEIVE CACC WOMEN'S HOOPS HONORS

3-4-09

Lynch

Leedham

Lambert

CALDWELL, N.J. - Caldwell College senior forward Mackenzie Lynch (Wayne, NJ/DePaul Catholic) was one of three Cougar women's basketball players honored as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference announced its year-end awards today. Lynch was named to the all-CACC second team, sophomore guard Kirsty Leedham (Ellesmere Port, England/Cheshire Acad.) made the third team, and freshman guard Kaitlyn Lambert (Cumberland, RI/Cumberland) was chosen the CACC Rookie of the Year.

An all-CACC second team selection in 2007 and a third-team choice in 2008, Lynch averaged 16.3 points and a team-high 10.9 rebounds per game while starting all 28 games this season. A solid all-around player for the Cougars, she ranked second in rebounding, fifth in scoring, seventh in free throw percentage (.815) and ninth in steals (1.75 spg) in the CACC. This past season, Lynch registered 16 double-doubles while scoring in double-figures 24 times and grabbing at least eight rebounds 25 times. She scored her 1,000th career point in a victory over Chestnut Hill College on Jan. 20, becoming the 11th Cougar to achieve the milestone. In three seasons and 79 games at Caldwell, Lynch amassed 1,232 points and 814 boards while setting school records for free throws made (453) and free throw percentage (.773).

Leedham had a breakout year this season, leading the Cougars in scoring at 16.6 points per game while making 61 three-pointers. She also led Caldwell in steals, swiping 2.1 steals per contest. In a win at Post University on Jan. 27, Leedham poured in a career-high 43 points, the most points scored in the CACC this season. That performance helped her earn Player of the Week honors from the CACC, the ECAC and the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association, becoming the first Cougar to earn awards from the three organizations in the same week. An excellent outside shooter, Leedham ranks fourth in scoring and third in three-pointers made in the CACC.

Lambert turned in an outstanding freshman campaign, averaging 11.3 points to rank first among CACC newcomers. She also is the Cougars' third-leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 5.7 rebounds per contest. A versatile player who can score inside and from the perimeter, Lambert was named CACC Rookie of the Week a league-high six times, including this past Monday. She is the first Caldwell women's basketball player to be named the CACC Rookie of the Year since former All-American Nicole Campbell received the honor in 1994.

The Cougars, coached by Linda Cimino, finished the season 10-18 overall and 8-9 in conference play to take third in the CACC North. Caldwell advanced to the CACC Tournament for the second straight season.

2008-09 All-CACC Women's Basketball Teams
First Team
F Catherine Carr, Holy Family, So., Bernardsville, NJ
G Althea Chambers, Dominican, Sr., Yonkers, NY
C Erin Chesnavich, USP, Jr., Pittston, NJ
C Jessica Romano, Philadelphia, Jr., Horsham, PA
F Amelia Simmons, Wilmington, Jr., Wilmington, DE
Second Team
G Amanda Brennan, Philadelphia, Sr., Stratford, NJ
F Mackenzie Lynch, Caldwell, Sr., Wayne, NJ
C Christine McCollum, Holy Family, Jr., Abington, PA
F Adele Laskowski, Dominican, Jr., Wayne, NJ
G Kim Parker, Wilmington, Jr., New Castle, DE
Third Team
F Melissa Brooks, Holy Family, Sr., Levittown, PA
G Kirsty Leedham, Caldwell, So., Ellesmere Port, England
C Tiffany McDaniel, Bloomfield, So., Colonia, NJ
G Jasmine Minter, Nyack, Jr., Richmond, VA
F Allison Weiss, USP, Sr., Springfield, PA
Honorable Mention: Victoria Sweet, So., F, Nyack; Patti Foley, Sr., F, Georgian Court; Kellyn Nolan, Sr., F, Goldey-Beacom

Player of the Year: Catherine Carr, Holy Family
Rookie of the Year: Kaitlyn Lambert, Caldwell
Coach of the Year: Mike McLaughlin, Holy Family
Team Sportsmanship Award: Chestnut Hill College

Back to the Women's Basketball page