Kia Nurse crowned UC Capitals MVP
The UC Capitals held their end of season MVP Night on Tuesday evening where four awards were given to honour the team’s most outstanding contributions for the season both on and off the court.
Capital on The Rise – Abby Cubillo
The Capital on The Rise is awarded to the player whose contribution to the group isn’t only measured on the court, but what she is to the group at every level.
Being promoted to the rostered playing group after being a development player in the previous season, Abby Cubillo showed improvements over the offseason whenever she was given the opportunity.
Always ready to contribute when called upon, the general public likely hasn’t seen the contributions this player is capable of making, and we’re sure that the best is still to come.
Kellie Abrams Defensive Player of The Year – Olivia Epoupa
The Kellie Abrams Defensive Player of the Year Award is presented to the player judged to be the most outstanding defender in the UC Capitals team.
Olivia Epoupa instilled fear in opposition guards and whilst often not tasked with guarding opposition top scorers, her impact was felt through her steals, deflections and, despite her size, her rebounding.
She led the league in steals, averaging 3 per game. She was 10th in the league in rebounding – the only guard on a list filled with Centres and Forwards. She was recently awarded the Rachel Sporn Medal for being named the Most Outstanding Player in the Championship Series.
Players’ Player – Marianna Tolo
The Player’s Player award is presented to the player, as voted by their peers, for providing leadership, dedication, commitment both on and off the court, and setting the benchmark with regard to work ethic, and team attitude and values. It is a player who embodies what it means to be a UC Capital.
Marianna Tolo was once again voted a Co-Captain of the playing group. She has now won four WNBL Championships with the UC Capitals and it is no coincidence as she sets a standard in terms of looking after her body, intensity on the practice court and in the weights gym.
She was at her best in the clinching game of the Grand Finals series as she outdueled the WNBL Defensive Player of the Year to finish with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Most Valuable Player – Kia Nurse
Kia Nurse has been crowned the UC Capitals Most Valuable Player after taking out the Suzy Batkovic Medal, awarded to the league’s MVP.
This fan favourite returned to the Capitals’ program for the second year and it was immediately evident the improvements made during the offseason.
Nurse’s outstanding play may have been eclipsed only by the enjoyment she gave the fans whenever she made a clutch 3 pointer – always followed by a passionate scream or a wry smile.
She led the league in points with 20.9 per game and 3 pointers made by a considerable margin, none bigger than her final one of the season to put the Caps up by two points with under a minute to play. She has made a considerable impact on the Canberra community, evidenced by the number of posters and singlets we see of hers at the game each week.