Check out an interview with the two honorees!

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's basketball had two players honored by the West Coast Conference for their performances on the court. Junior guard Nici Gilday was named All-WCC Honorable Mention and freshman Jo Paine was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team.

Santa Clara opens the WCC Tournament Thurs., March 6 at 12 p.m. vs. Pepperdine.

"It's an honor to be recognized with such great players in our conference," said Gilday. "I couldn't have done it without my teammates. Playing with them this season has helped me develop as a player. I've changed a lot this season on the offensive end. My range is extended and that has allowed me to draw out the defense and attack the rim."

"I am proud to be honored by the WCC in my first season," said Paine. "It has been a learning experience for me and my teammates have been very supportive along they way while being very supportive. I'm excited to see what the future holds for Santa Clara women's basketball."

"Having two players recognized in this conference is a big deal," said Santa Clara head coach Jennifer Mountain. "There are a lot of really good players in the conference and all the honorees were deserving. I would have loved to have Nici on the First Team because she's had a great year for us but getting recognition is great. Having Jo on the Freshman Team is important for us because that's where our future is. Both those players have had good years for us so far." 

Gilday finished the regular season No. 6 in scoring in the WCC with 16.7 points per game. Gilday shot 42.3% (169-400) from the floor and 31.8% (34-107) from deep. She was second in the conference with an 87.6% (113-129) mark from the free throw line and led Santa Clara in makes and attempts. Gilday scored 20+ points eight times and 30+ twice. She set a program record with 40 points vs. LMU on Feb. 27.

Paine is second on the Broncos with 10.1 ppg and is second with 4.7 rebounds per game. Paine has started all 29 Santa Clara games and is shooting 45.1% (106-235) from the field. She leads Santa Clara with a 38.0% (35-92) mark from three and is tops on the team in three-point makes. Paine set a career-high in points and rebounds at Pepperdine with 28 and 14 respectively.

2013-14 All-WCC Women's Basketball First Team

2013-14 WCC Women's Basketball Honorable Mention Selections

Nici Gilday, Santa Clara; Morgan Bailey, BYU; Kim Beeston, BYU; Cassandra Brown, Portland; Zhané Dikes, San Francisco; Kate Gaze, Saint Mary's; Malina Hood, San Diego; Taylor Proctor, San Francisco; Jazmine Redmon, Gonzaga; Felicia Wijenberg, San Diego; Jasmine Wooton, Portland

2013-14 WCC Women's Basketball All-Freshman Team