LATHAM, N.Y. – In a significant announcement from the United East Conference office this Thursday afternoon, the St. Mary's College of Maryland women's basketball team has made a remarkable impact, securing two coveted spots on the all-conference teams and clinching the prestigious Rookie of the Year award for the 2023-24 season.
Olivia Liszt, a first-year standout from Baltimore, Maryland, with a background at Mercy High School, has been honored with the United East Rookie of the Year award. This achievement marks a notable trend for St. Mary's College, as it is the second consecutive year the Rookie of the Year accolade has been awarded to a player from the institution. Liszt's recognition places her among an elite group of Seahawks who have previously earned this distinction, including Catherine Blakely '06, Stephanie Saint-Aubin '10, and Kerri Kline '18 during their tenure in the Capital Athletic Conference, as well as Sam Blaylock '26, the recipient in the preceding year.
In addition to her rookie of the year title, Liszt's exceptional performance throughout the season also earned her a spot on the First Team All-United East. Her teammate, sophomore Sam Blaylock from Ijamsville, Maryland, received Second Team honors, marking her second consecutive season to be recognized in this manner.
Liszt's contributions on the court have been pivotal for the Seahawks, especially during the latter half of the season. The 5-10 guard boasted an average of 14.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, placing her sixth in the United East for three-point field goals per game with an impressive 2.1 average. Her ability to consistently score in double digits, highlighted by a career-high 24 points against Penn State Abington on February 14th and three games with over 20 points, showcased her significant impact as a freshman.
Moreover, Liszt's versatility was on full display when she recorded her first career double-double, amassing 17 points and 11 rebounds in a game against Penn State Abington on January 21.
Blaylock, now a two-time all-star, has led the conference with an average of 2.9 three-point field goals per game and secured a second-place ranking with a .333 three-point field goal percentage. The 5-4 guard is also recognized nationally, ranking 14th in Division III for three-point field goals per game and total three-pointers, with a remarkable count of 73. Her scoring prowess was evident as she tallied double-digit points in 17 games, including four instances where she exceeded 20 points. Notably, Blaylock tied a 22-year-old single-game record for three-pointers, sinking eight against Lehman College on November 18th.
St. Mary's College has demonstrated formidable strength and consistency throughout the season, culminating in a 14-12 record and a 6-6 standing in the UEC. The team's journey extended into the semifinals of the United East Volt Division Championship Tournament as the No. 4 seed, underscoring their competitive edge and the contributions of standout players like Liszt and Blaylock to their success. These accolades not only highlight individual excellence but also underscore the cohesive and dynamic prowess of the St. Mary's College women's basketball team in the competitive landscape of collegiate sports.
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