• 
  • 
  • President's Welcome
  • President's Office
  • Who We Are
  • Fast Facts
  • Our Mission
  • Strategic Plan
  • About South Bend
  • Maps & Directions
• 
  • 
  • Why Saint Mary's?
  • Majors
  • FAQ
  • Financing Your Education
  • Apply to Saint Mary's
  • Life After Saint Mary's
  • Visit Campus
  • Endorse An Admission Applicant
• 
  • 
  • Majors
  • Why Study Abroad?
  • Outstanding Faculty
  • Departments & Programs
  • Centers of Distinction
  • Academic Resources
  • Library
  • Campus Bookstore
• 
  • 
  • Residence Life
  • Student Services
  • Student Activities
  • Campus Ministry
  • Meet Our Students
  • Current Student Online Resources
• 
  • 
  • Varsity Athletics
  • Varsity Club
  • Contacts
  • MIAA Conference
  • NCAA Division III
  • Student Athlete Forms
• 
  • 
  • Religious Programs
  • Calendar of Religious Events
  • Worship Opportunities
  • Campus Ministry
  • Center for Spirituality
  • Office of Civic and Social Engagement

Kessler Named MIAA MVP

NOTRE DAME, IN -- Alison Kessler became the first basketball player in the Saint Mary’s history to be named the MIAA MVP the league offices announced today. In addition, she becomes just the fourth athlete in any sports at Saint Mary’s, and first in basketball, to earn First-Team All-Conference honors on three occasions.

Kessler led the league in scoring through out the season. The senior averaged 20.9 points a game in leading the league in scoring for the second straight season. In addition, she finished first in steals (2.77 spg) for the second consecutive year, seventh in assists (3.00 apg) and 16th in rebounding (5.4 rpg).

During the season she became the Saint Mary’s leader in career scoring. She graduates with 1628 career points. The senior all set the College record for points in a season with 544 points, which eclipses her own record of 497 point she set last year.

She posted 14 games of at least 20 points which also was the best among league players. The native of LaPorte, Ind., also garnered league Player of the Week honors on four occasions which was also the most in the MIAA.

Her 41-point performance against Kalamazoo on Jan. 16 was the most points scored in the league this year and at the time was the most points in a game by a Division III player. The team’s co-captain set an MIAA record with 22 made free throws in Belles home win over Adrian on Feb. 20.

As a team the Belles finished 13-13 overall and 8-8 in league games. They advanced to the semifinals of the season ending conference tournament before bowing out to eventually league champion Hope.

Most Valuable Player

Alison Kessler, Saint Mary’s

(senior from LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie HS)

Defensive Player of the Year                                                                                     

Julie Henderson, Hope

(senior from Grand Haven/Grand Haven HS)

All-MIAA First Team

Marcia Harris, Calvin *** (junior from Grand Rapids/ GR Christian HS)

Jordyn Boles, Hope *** (senior from Grand Rapids/Forest Hills Central HS)

Philana Greene, Hope * (sophomore from Grandville/Grandville HS)

Alison Kessler, Saint Mary’s*** (senior from LaPorte, Ind./New Prairie HS)

Sarah Howe, Tri State * (sophomore from Monroe/Monroe HS)                              

Brittany Kemperman, Albion* (sophomore from Grand Rapids/Catholic Central HS)

* notes number of years All-MIAA first team

All-MIAA Second Team

Kelsea Howell, Kalamazoo (senior from Dexter/Dexter HS)

Lindsay Lange, Hope (senior from Manistee/Manistee HS)

Emi Guimond, Albion (senior from Sault Ste. Marie/Sault Area HS)

Ashley Matuzak, Alma (senior from Saginaw/Nouvel Catholic Central HS)

Amy Brackenwagen, Olivet (senior from Grand Ledge/Grand Ledge HS)

Kim Olech, Adrian (sophomore from Canton/Plymouth HS)