February 27, 2006

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- Kerri Gardin, a senior forward from Morgonton N.C., has been named to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference third team. The squad is selected by members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA) consisting of media members who cover the ACC on a regular basis.

Gardin, an Honorable Mention selection last year, led the league in rebounding averaging 9.7 per contest while placing second on the team in scoring (12.4). Last year she averaged a double-double in conference contests and was second in rebounding.

"We are extremely proud that Kerri has been recognized as one of the finest players in the best league in the country," said Virginia Tech head coach Beth Dunkenberger. "She led the conference in rebounding and it's nice to see her rewarded for her dominance on the boards. She has been a big key to our successful season thus far."

Gardin became the 19^th member of the Virginia Tech 1,000-point club with 11 points in Tech's 76-42 win over Wake Forest in the regular season finale. She currently has 1,004 career points and has pulled down 737 rebounds, which is seventh on the career list. Her double-double on Sunday against the Demon Deacons was the 21^st of her career and tenth this season. Gardin leads the team with 20 double-digit scoring games this year and has reached double figures in rebounds 15 times.

On the defensive side, Gardin has also excelled with 149 steals, which ranks seventh on the Tech career list. Additionally, she ranks seventh on the career blocks list with 88. Gardin is fourth in conference games with 2.77 thefts per game and ranks 13^th in blocks (1.00). Gardin tied the school record last season with 21 rebounds against Virginia.

The Hokies (19-8, 6-8) enter the 29^th Annual ACC Championship tournament as the seventh-seed and will have a rematch with Wake Forest (12-15, 3-11), the tenth seed, on Thurs., Mar. 2 at 7 p.m. A victory would advance Tech to the quarterfinals on Friday against No. 2 seed Duke.