CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Milwaukee, Wis. – The Cardinal Stritch University women’s basketball team ended their season last weekend after advancing to the quarter finals of the NAIA National Tournament. The Wolves finished with a 30-3 overall record. Leading the way all season were senior, Michelle Stelloh, and sophomore, Liz Neitzel. The pair has been recognized nationally for their efforts, and were both named to the NAIA DII All-American team.

Stelloh has been named First-team All-American for the first time in her career. This is her second appearance on the All-American list, as she received Honorable Mention in the 2008-09 season. The West Allis, Wis. native led the Wolves offense this season, averaging 16.1 points a game, good for second best in the CCAC. She was also huge under the boards, pulling down an average of six each match-up. Stelloh led the team with three-pointers, including seven against Trinity International on Feb. 25, and six to boost the Wolves by No. 2 Davenport in the second round of the NAIA Tournament. Stelloh was an All-Conference player all four years of her career at Stritch. She was CCAC Player of the Year both her junior and senior seasons. Her ability to score was only a small part of what she brought to the floor each game and she will be greatly missed next season.

Stelloh was also named to the NAIA Tournament team. Stelloh put up 61 points for an average of over 20 points a game. She also pulled down 22 rebounds in the tournament. The senior netted 27 points, including six three-pointers in the Wolves’ upset over Davenport University. 

For the first time in her career at Stritch, Neitzel has been named Honorable Mention All-American. The sophomore had an incredible year for the Wolves, sliding smoothly into a starting role after a strong freshman season. Neitzel averaged 14.9 points a night and scored 20 or more points in eleven games this season. On Feb. 10 against Trinity International, the Lomira, Wis. native broke the Wolves’ single-game scoring record, netting 35 points. She led the CCAC in free throw percentage (84.8) and three-point percentage (40.0). Neitzel dished out 2.9 assists a game for Stritch, second only to point guard, Beth Gilgenbach. The sophomore also earned first-team All-Conference honors this season. As the Wolves graduate four of five starters, Neitzel will be the main building block for next year’s squad. Her consistency and experience will be a huge factor as the Wolves look for continued success in the future.

Stelloh and Neitzel were a large part of the Wolves’ success in the 2009-10 season. Congratulations to the pair and the rest of the Stritch women’s basketball team on a great year!