Monday, January 23, 2017

UIW's Celia Garcia Paunero Earns Southland Weekly Honor

Photo by Steve Slate
Used with Permission
Senior averaged 24.0 points, 19.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 2.5 steals per game

From Southland Conference and University of the Incarnate Word Press Release


FRISCO, TEXAS (January 23, 2017) Incarnate Word Cardinal senior forward Celia Garcia Paunero’s historic week on the hardwood did not go by unnoticed by the Southland Conference voters, as the Spaniard earned Southland Conference Player of the Week honors. Garcia Paunero averaged 24.0 points, 19.0 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals against Southeastern Louisiana and Stephen F. Austin. She posted back-to-back 24-point outings, including a 24-point, 24-board performance in a win over the Lions on Thursday. Her 24 rebounds are the most in a game by anyone in the Southland Conference this season and is a school record. Garcia Paunero leads the league in rebounding and is third in scoring. She is also tied for 10th place nationally in double-doubles.

Garcia Paunero was quoted:  “I’m happy, but the most important thing is we got a big win on Thursday. We’re going to continue to work, get better, and get wins this upcoming week.”

Head Coach Christy Smith also stated: “We’re super proud of her. I think she’s had a lot of really good games, but just hasn’t been recognized, so this is awesome to see. To see her get 24 rebounds and 24 points is just an awesome reflection of how hard she plays. I think it also shows how hard her teammates play to get her the basketball and to find her.”

UIW hosts Abilene Christian on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. on “Greek Night" and will  play at Central Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m.

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