Two of the all-time greats in the history of the Hofstra Women's Basketball program will have their jersey numbers retired this Sunday as Liz Irwin (#14) and Dia LaBella (#15) will be honored in a halftime ceremony of the Pride's home finale against UNC Wilmington on Sunday at 1 p.m.

In an effort to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of numerous former student-athletes during the University's nearly 75 years of existence, Hofstra University has announced that a group of 20 past Pride athletes will have their jersey numbers retired this academic year.

"The honoring of these 20 former student-athletes is a celebration of the outstanding history of Hofstra Athletics," commented Hofstra University Director of Athletics Jack Hayes.

A 1982 graduate of the University, Irwin ranks eighth all-time in scoring with 1,455 points and is the program's all-time leader in assists with 828.  During her career, Hofstra compiled a 92-40 record and that four-year span of 1978-1982 ranks as the second-best four-year win total in Hofstra Women's Basketball history.  A 2006 CAA Legend and a 2006 inaugural inductee into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame, Irwin also ranks fourth all-time in steals with 219.  

LaBella is also a 1982 graduate of Hofstra University and a 2007 inductee into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame.  The all-time leading scorer in program history with 1,840 career points, LaBella also helped the Pride compile the 92-40 record that ranks as the second-best four-year win total in Hofstra Women's Basketball history.  LaBella also ranks tenth all-time in free throws made with 279 and along with Irwin, she helped lead Hofstra to the AIAW Division II National Championship in 1982.  In addition this pair led Hofstra to a pair of additional postseason appearances in 1980 and 1981.  LaBella was named a 2007 CAA Legend as well.

Irwin and LaBella are the first two players in Hofstra Women's Basketball history to have their jersey numbers retired.

Current freshman Joelle Connelly, who wears #14, will be permitted to wear the number for the remainder of her career.

For ticket information please visit our website at Hofstra.edu/athletics or call 516-HOF-TIXX.

-30-