Zilbert named first-team All-SCIAC for second straight year

LOS ANGELES - The Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2008-09 all-conference team and for a second consecutive season Kourtney Zilbert garnered a spot on the first-team.

Zilbert guided Whittier to its best season since 2002-03 and helped the team qualify for its first playoff appearance in program's history.

The sophomore forward led the team with a 14.0 points per game average and an 8.2 rebounds per game average. She also added a team-high 81 total steals (3.1 per game) and recorded nine double-doubles on the year.

Four times this season she recorded 20+ points with her highest output coming in her 24 point performance against Pomona-Pitzer on January 24. Additionally she brought in 10+ rebounds 10 times this year with a season-high 18 rebounds on February 19 against the Sagehens.

The Burbank, Calif., native started and played in all 26 games for the Poets, ranked second on the team in field goal percentage (50.3 percent) and dished out 1.7 assists per game (45 total).

Zilbert was recognized by the SCIAC as its Female Athlete of the Week for the week ending February 23 after she recorded back-to-back double-doubles for the Poets. On February 19 she poured in 17 points and added 18 rebounds and as an encore, on February 21, she scored 20 points and recorded 17 rebounds.

• SCIAC Release

Photo by: Tony Leon/Action West Photography