March 12, 2006

Birmingham, AL - The Southern University women's basketball team claimed their third Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament championship by defeating the Lady Hornets of Alabama State University 61-58. This was the Jaguars third straight trip to the tournament championship game.

Southern (20-10, 14-4) was lead by All-American nominee Rolanda Monroe who recorded 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals for the game. Red-shirt sophomore, Fredrieka Lewis scored 16 points, blocked four shots and grabbed six rebounds to help the Jags claim the title.

This is head coach Sandy Pugh's second 20-win season in six years at the helm of the women's basketball program on "the bluff". Her first was during the 2001-2002 season when the Blue and Gold finished the year 26-5 and earned their first trip ever to the NCAA tournament.

With the win the Jaguars earn the SWAC's automatic bid into the big dance and will learn who they will play on Monday night during the women's basketball selection show on ESPN.

The 2006 SWAC tournament most valuable player went to Southern's Fredrieka Lewis while Monroe earn All-Tournament team honors.

A complete list of the team is included below:

2006 SWAC Tournament - All-Tournament Teams

Women

Rolanda Monroe - Southern

Shante Robinson - Alabama State

Fredrieka Lewis - Southern

Shelita Burns - Jackson State

Latille Ross - Alabama State

Tournament MVP - Fredrieka Lewis, Southern