Did You Know?
Head Coach Paul Thomas did an excellent job in his second year at the helm
of the program, combining a high intensity defense with a free flowing
offensive. The Gaels averaged 69.7 points per game, ranking second in the
WCC. Leading the way offensively was junior Jontelle Smith, averaging 16.8
points per game, while knocking down 84 three-pointers on the year. Smith's
84 three-pointers boosted her career count to 190, clinching the Saint
Mary's record for three-pointers made in a career.
Pressure defense proved to pay off, as the team totaled 254 steals on the
year, including Shaughnessy's 69 swipes. The point guard totaled 31 more
steals that any other Gael, while capturing the Saint Mary's career record
for steals, accumulating 226 in four years.
The 2007-08 Saint Mary's women's basketball team made great
strides this season, improving their RPI by 56 spots from last year, and
finishing at 127. In addition to lowering their RPI, the Gaels participated
in a much stronger West Coast Conference, as the WCC finished as the eighth
strongest Division I conference.
The Gaels gained spots in the RPI by compiling a tough 2007-08 schedule,
facing 10 teams that made the postseason, including six in the NCAA
tournament and four in the WNIT. Saint Mary's posted wins against four of
the 10 postseason teams, including eventual WCC tournament champions, San
Diego.
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