By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University women's basketball player Molly Fillion (Sr., F, Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton CC) has been named First Team All-West Region by D3Hoops.com. The All-West Region squad was selected in voting by Sports Information Directors throughout the Region.

Fillion was the leading scorer and rebounder in the Northwest Conference this season. She averaged 14.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. She recorded 11 double-doubles during the season to give her 18 in her two years with the Bearcats. Fillion transferred to WU from Linn-Benton CC following her sophomore season.

This year, Fillion scored 308 points and hauled down 225 rebounds in Willamette's 22 games. She was an all-around leader on the court, as she also provided 46 assists (2.1 avg.) and 32 steals (1.5 avg.). Fillion shot 45.8% on field goals (103 of 225) and sank 17 of 39 three-pointers for 43.6% accuracy.

During her two seasons at Willamette, Fillion started all 47 games. She scored 637 points for 13.6 points per game. She also contributed 466 rebounds for an average of 9.9 boards per contest. She earned 78 assists and recorded 64 steals.

Fillion was named First Team All-Northwest Conference in 2008-09. She was an Honorable Mention All-NWC selection in 2007-08.

Fillion and her twin sister, Jenny Fillion (Sr., G, Silverton, OR/Silverton HS/Linn-Benton CC) provided strong leadership for the Bearcats, who completed their season in honor of Head Coach Bruce Henderson, who passed away on Dec. 8, after collapsing at a practice session.

Henderson's assistant coaches, Sara Brooks and Anne Lapray, shared coaching responsibilities the rest of the year. Lapray was promoted recently to be the head coach of the Bearcats.

In 2008-09, Willamette was 4-18 overall and 3-13 in the NWC, but the records don't show the team's improvement. The Bearcats won three consecutive games in NWC action, and played well against virtually every team during the final month of the season. WU provided undefeated national champion George Fox University with two of its most challenging games of the year.

Joining Fillion on the All-West Region First Team were Margo Muhlbauer (Jr., G) from Buena Vista University (Iowa), Lindsay Bava (Jr, G) from Loras College (Iowa), Laura Kalbfell (So., F) from the College of St. Catherine's (Minn.) and Kristen Shielee (Sr., C) from George Fox.

In addition to the five players chosen First Team All-West Region, another five players were named to the Second Team. Five more players were chosen for the Third Team.

Shielee of George Fox was selected West Region Player of the Year. Head Coach Scott Rueck from George Fox was named Coach of the Year and Courtney Carroll (Fr., F) from the University of Redlands was chosen Rookie of the Year.