Minister extends congratulations to Memorial University Sea-Hawks

Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today congratulated the Memorial Sea-Hawks women�s basketball team on winning the Atlantic universities women�s basketball championship this past weekend.

The Sea-Hawks displayed a fine showing during the past regular season with an 18-2 season record. This momentum continued into this past weekend, as the women�s basketball team secured a coveted spot in the conference championship game. Approximately 2,000 spectators watched the team capture the title at the Field House Sunday afternoon by defeating the University College of Cape Breton Capers by a score of 80-77.

"It takes a lot of hard work and commitment by athletes, coaches and managers to reach such a pinnacle in a sports career," said Minister Bettney. "I extend heartfelt congratulations to the women�s team who represented our province at this event. As the minister responsible for sport in Newfoundland and Labrador, I could not think of more suitable ambassadors to represent our province at the upcoming nationals in Hamilton."

The MVP of the tournament was Jenine Browne of MUN�s team, who garnered 18 points during the game. During Saturday�s semifinal against Dalhousie University, Browne single-handedly scored 35 points.

The Sea-Hawks will travel to Hamilton, Ontario to represent the Atlantic Universities Sport (AUS) conference at the national women�s championship this Thursday to Sunday at McMaster University.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0928.

2003 03 04                                         4:35 p.m.