Feb. 25, 2002
SAN BRUNO, Calif. - Santa Clara University junior forward Kendra Rhea was named the West Coast Conference's Women's Basketball Player of the Week for her play this weekend against conference opponents Pepperdine and Loyola Marymount.
She becomes the fifth Bronco this season to earn the honor, following junior forwards Tammy Annas and Julie Butler, as well as senior guard Caroline Gruening and freshman guard Quinn Thomas.
Rhea posted a career-high 21 points in the upset of regular-season champion Pepperdine, to help the Broncos gain momentum with a 2-0 winning streak going into the WCC championship. The junior from Lakeside shot 9-of-13 (.692) from the field and also recorded 12 rebounds, one off her career high. Her numbers against Pepperdine marked her sixth double-double of the season.
Two nights earlier, Rhea paved the way for the Broncos as they defeated Loyola Marymount 65-63. With seven minutes remaining in the game, Rhea hit a jumper that helped the Broncos pull away from the Lions. For the week, Rhea averaged 13.5 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and 1.5 steals. Rhea and the Broncos finished their home season undefeated for only the second time in school history with a record of 12-0.
After a successful weekend, the Broncos have earned the second seed in the upcoming West Coast Conference championship this weekend. The Broncos will play host San Diego Thursday at the Jenny Craig Pavilion at 6 p.m.
