Sunday, March 06, 2011

Valparaiso University’s Tabitha Gerardot (Fort Wayne, Ind./Canterbury H.S.) has been named to the Horizon League’s All-Newcomer Team as the conference handed out its annual postseason awards on Sunday (March 6).

“Tab has done a really good job of being consistent throughout her freshman season, especially in the area of rebounding,” head coach Keith Freeman said.  “This is a nice honor for her and I continue to look for more good things from her over the next three years.”

Gerardot finished the regular season eighth in the conference in rebounding, leading Valpo with 7.5 boards per game.  The freshman also ranked among the league’s top-20 in scoring, ranking second on the Crusader roster with 10.7 points per game.

Valpo’s first member of the All-Newcomer Team in the Horizon League since Lauren Kenney in 2008-2009, Gerardot tallied nine double-doubles during her rookie season.  She tallied a career-high 25 points at Youngstown State on Feb. 12 while pulling down a career-best 13 rebounds on four different occasions this season.

Gerardot’s conference stats mirrored her overall season numbers as she averaged 10.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game against league foes.

Joining Gerardot on the All-Newcomer Team are Angela Rodriguez and Courtney Lindfors of Milwaukee, Dominique Dixon of Detroit, and Shaunda Sandifer of Wright State.

Valparaiso (7-23, 4-14 Horizon) will begin Horizon League Championship action on Monday evening, as the Crusaders travel to Detroit.  Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CST at Calihan Hall in the Motor City.