VCU’s Hollingsworth named to CAA first team

A business-as-usual season produced an unusual reward for Virginia Commonwealth University post player Quanitra Hollingsworth: a berth on the all-Colonial Athletic Association first team.

Hollingsworth, the Rams' 6-5 senior from Chesapeake, was honored at last night's pre-tournament awards banquet in Harrisonburg. She leads the 25-5 Rams in scoring (14.5 ppg), rebounding (9.4 rpg) and defenses disrupted.

"You just don't see height like that and athletic ability like that very often," VCU coach Beth Cunningham said.

Hollingsworth (35 blocked shots, 26 steals) also was named to the league's five-member all-defensive team.

Joining the Rams star on the all-CAA first team were Drexel forward Gabriela Marginean, the player of the year; James Madison guard Dawn Evans; Old Dominion forward Tiffany Green and Towson guard Shanae Baker-Brice.

-- Vic Dorr Jr.

CAA honors

First team: Gabriela Marginean, Drexel; Quanitra Hollingsworth, VCU; Dawn Evans, James Madison; Tiffany Green, Old Dominion; Shanae Baker-Brice, Towson.

Second team: Tiffany Benson, William and Mary; Brittany Blackwell, UNCW; Jessica Canady, Old Dominion; Jasmine Crew, Northeastern; Jess Fuller, Hofstra.

Third team: Radoslava Bachvarova, VCU; Tesia Harris, Delaware; Greta Luksyte, UNCW; Jasmina Rosseel, Drexel; Katrina Wheeler, Towson.

All-defensive: Tiffany Benson, William and Mary; Quanitra Hollingsworth, VCU; Shanae Baker-Brice, Towson; Jess Fuller, Hofstra; Brittany Hollins, Georgia State.

All-rookie: Joelle Connelly, Hofstra; Nicole Capurso, Hofstra; Crystal Johnson, Georgia State; Tasha Pye, William and Mary; Jylissa Williams, Georgia State; Brittany Wilson, Northeastern.

All-academic first team: Radoslava Bachvarova, VCU; Dani Kell, William and Mary; Jen Nuzzo, Old Dominion; Andrea Peterson, Drexel; Niki Williams, Hofstra.

Dean Ehlers award: Jen Nuzzo, Old Dominion; Andrea Peterson, Drexel.

Player of the year: Gabriela Marginean, Drexel

Coach of the year: Denise Dillon, Drexel

Defensive player of the year: Tiffany Benson, William and Mary

Rookie of the year: Joelle Connelly, Hofstra