 "Photo: Onnie Koski/Photography Editor")
It was a season ripe with accomplishment.
En route to a 28-7 overall record, the Rutgers women's basketball team helped lead coach C. Vivian Stringer to her 700th career victory, win its first-ever Big East regular season championship, and make its way to the Elite Eight - the national quarterfinals - of the NCAA Tournament.
The Scarlet Knights capped things off yesterday by receiving praise from the highest governing board at the University when they were recognized at the Board of Governors meeting at Winants Hall on the Old Queens campus.
The board unanimously passed a resolution congratulating the team on its season.
"We are recognizing a tremendous performance," said Albert R. Gamper Jr., chairman of the BOG.
University President Richard L. McCormick echoed that sentiment.
"You've brought such incredible excitement and joy and pride to our institution," McCormick said.
Under the guidance of head coach C. Vivian Stringer - who grabbed career win number 700 against Princeton in December - the Knights performed well in the Big East conference, compiling a 14-2 record on their way to the regular season conference championship, the first outright title in their history.
The Knights progressed to the final game of the Big East Tournament before falling to the University of Connecticut.
In spite of the loss, the Knights drew the third seed in the Philadelphia region of the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight before bowing out to Tennessee.
The board specifically acknowledged Stringer and four players: Cappie Pondexter, Chelsea Newton, Michelle Campbell and Matee Ajavon.
Pondexter - who will return next season as a fifth-year senior - was named first-team All-Big East and the most outstanding player of the Philadelphia Regional in the NCAA Tournament.
Newton, a senior, was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Campbell, a junior, was the conference's Most Improved Player, while Ajavon, a freshman, was named Big East Freshman of the Year and to the Philadelphia Regional All-Tournament team.
"What best typified this team this time was Newton, who was told she couldn't return, came out in a brace to give it one last chance," Stringer said. "It showed the heart of the team we have here. This season was bringing a level of integrity reflecting positively no only on the team but on the state and the institution."
Besides picking up her 700th win, Stringer was also selected Big East Coach of the Year.
Ten players were present for the board's congratulations.
"My four years here have been priceless," senior Rebecca Richman said.
Ajavon said she was grateful "for the opportunity to present our thanks."
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