After leading Loyola Marymount women's basketball to its first West Coast Conference title and NCAA tournament appearance, Head Coach Julie Wilhoit was given a two-year contract extension, LMU athletics director Dr. William Husak announced. With the additional two years, Wilhoit's contract, which had two seasons remaining, is now extended through 2008.

"I love working at LMU," said Wilhoit, who is 236-210 in 16 seasons as a collegiate head coach. "I love being part of an organization whose philosophy of higher education in not only mission, but vision, so closely mirrors mine as a coach."

Wilhoit was appointed the fourth head coach in LMU women's basketball history on June 30, 1995, coming to LMU after a two-year stint at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.

During Wilhoit's tenure, the program has made great strides, including its 2004 achievements of the school-record 24-6 finish, first WCC regular season and tournament titles, and first NCAA tournament appearance.

"Julie is a great match for LMU, both as a coach and a person," Husak said. "She has done a wonderful job in building the LMU program, and the success of this season is just a small indication of what the future holds for women's basketball at LMU."

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In baseball, LMU's Jeff Stevens is the West Coast Conference/Rawlings Pitcher of the Week after throwing a complete game shutout April 25 and recording a save on April 23.

Stevens went the distance in Sunday's 7-0 win over the University of San Francisco. The sophomore right-hander allowed just seven hits, all singles, while striking out five and improving his season record to 4-0. It was his first career complete game. Stevens also recorded his fourth save of the season in last Friday's 6-3 win over USF.

This WCC/Rawlings Pitcher of the Week selection is LMU's sixth weekly conference honor, including the fourth for the pitching staff. Each of the three pitchers in LMU's weekend rotation have now won WCC weekly honors and thrown a complete game this season.