MANKATO, MN – The BLC women's basketball team is already pulling in the awards from their most successful season in school history. Prior to the Vikings finding out where they would be headed for the first round of the NCAA Tournament, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced its postseason awards.

UMAC Release
 
Head Coach Lyle Jones was named Co-Coach of the Year along with UW-Superior's Zach Otto-Fisher. Jones is in his 17th season overall with the Vikings and led BLC to 20 wins in the regular season and a UMAC record of 14-2, finishing in 2nd place. On February 13th, Jones tallied his 300th win of his coaching career. The Vikings would go on to win two more games in the UMAC tournament, defeating #1 ranked UW-Superior on the way, to earn their first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament.
 
Abby Olson was recognized with UMAC 1st Team All-Conference honors. Olson led the UMAC in scoring this season at 19.0 points per game. She also finished 12th in rebounding, 8th in field goal percentage, 1st in 3pt. field goal percentage, 1st in 3pt. field goals made per game, 4th in free throw percentage, and 3rd in assists. Olson was named the UMAC Tournament MVP.
 
Haley Sandin was recognized with UMAC 1st Team All-Conference honors and All-Defensive Team honors. Sandin finished 5th in the UMAC in scoring at 15.4 points per game. She also finished 1st in free throws made, 1st in free throw percentage, 1st in free throw attempts, 1st in assists, and 1st in steals. Haley is the only player to ever be named UMAC 1st Team All-Conference in each of her four seasons.
 
Hanna Geistfeld was recognized with UMAC 2nd Team All-Conference honors. Geistfeld finished 4th in the UMAC in scoring at 15.6 points per game. She also finished 3rd in rebounding, 1st in field goal percentage, and 14th in blocked shots.
 
Kenlie Pytleski was recognized with the UMAC Sportsmanship Award. Pytleski is in her first season with the Vikings after spending last year at North Iowa Area Community College. She is originally from East Chain, MN.
 

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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu.