Ticha Penicheiro, who became the league's career steals leader this summer, earned another honor today when the Monarchs' co-captain was named to the WNBA's all-defensive first team for the first time in her 11 WNBA seasons.
Despite knee and leg injuries, Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson earned a spot on the all-defensive second team. Both teams were determined by WNBA head coaches, who could not vote for their own players.
Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie was named Defensive Player of the Year, as voted by media who regularly cover the league. Leslie also is on the all-defensive first team with Penicheiro, as are Indiana's Tamika Catchings and Tully Bevilaqua and San Antonio forward Sophia Young.
Completing the second team are Detroit's Katie Smith and Deanna Nolan, Seattle's Lauren Jackson and Chicago rookie center Sylvia Fowles.
Penicheiro, who has 655 career steals, averaged two a game in 2008.
Brunson, who also earned second-team honors in 2007, averaged 7.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 0.7 blocks a game despite a stress fracture to her right lower leg and cartilage tear in her right knee.
Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 326-5514.
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