Garaban, Cooney Garner All-CCC Accolades

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (March 1, 2023) – Western New England senior guard Abby Garaban and sophomore forward Shaina Cooney both were awarded All-CCC Second Team distinction as announced by the Commonwealth Coast Conference today for their yearly end of the season resignation. 

Abby Garaban made all 27 starts this season for the Golden Bears, averaging 10.5 points per game, a career-high, scoring 283 total points this season, also a career best. The senior guided Western New England into the CCC Semifinals for the first time since 2019-2020. The Maplewood, New Jersey native averaged 30.1 minutes per game, shooting a tick under 40% from the field. Garaban improved in every statistical category this season from last season, including minutes per game, field goals per game, field goal percentage, three pointers made, three-point percentage, free throws per game and free throw percentage. Garaban put together two double doubles this season, which landed two WNE wins. Garaban's assist to turnover ratio (1.60) leads the Commonwealth Coast Conference while her total assists (96) are second in the CCC. 

Shaina Cooney was also tabbed with All-CCC Second Team accolades after putting together 9.4 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game for the blue and gold in 25 games played. Cooney scored 235 total points on the season, while scoring at least ten points in 11 of those 25 games. Cooney grabbed a career high 20 points twice this season, both coming against Suffolk University. Cooney took in double digit rebounds four times this season, which included a career high 16 rebounds in a win over Westfield State University. The sophomore's offensive rebounds per game (3.2) ranks third in the conference. The Montgomery, N.Y. native shot nearly 50% from the field, collecting 94 total field goals on the season. 

Western New England wrapped up the 2022-2023 season by reaching the CCC Semifinals after knocking off four seeded Salve Regina University in the CCC Quarterfinals on the road.