the Informer

The America East hosted its annual women’s basketball award banquet and it was the host school Hartford that stole the show.

Diana Delva, Hartford’s leading scorer and rebounder won the 2010 America East Player of the Year award Thursday.

The Hawks took home three of the four individual awards and had representatives on first team all conference, third-team all conference, the all-rookie team, the all-defensive team and the all-academic team.

Delva averaged 14 points and eight rebounds for the Hawks while shooting 65 percent from the floor. Her field-goal percentage is ranked second in the nation.

“With all the talent in the league this is a big honor,” said Delva while receiving her award. She went on to thank her teammates and coaches.

Senior tri-captain Erica Beverly received the Defensive Player of the Year award. Averaging over 2 blocks per game, Beverly anchored the Hawks defense that finished first in the America East in opponent’s field-goal percentage and opponent’s points per game. With Beverly leading the way, the Hawks 50.5 points allowed per game is the third lowest opponent’s scoring average in the nation.

“Our team has been focused on defense the entire season and this award displays that,” Beverly said.

Jen Rizzotti, who earned her 200th career coaching victory earlier this season, took home her third America East Coach of the Year award. Under her guidance, the 25-3 Hawks have won 18 games in a row while going undefeated in the America East regular season. The Hawks are currently ranked No. 21 in the nation.

Delva and Beverly were both named to the all defensive team and first team all conference. Junior point-guard Jackie Smith was named to the all conference third-team and all academic team along with junior guard Mary Silvia.

Freshman forward Ruthanne Doherty, who has started the past 18 games for Hartford, was selected to the all-rookie team.