Ohlde Helps Mercury to WNBA Title

Nicole Ohlde captured her first WNBA title on Friday night, as the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Kansas State All-American Nicole Ohlde has earned her first career WNBA title, as the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Indiana Fever on Friday night, 94-86, in the fifth and deciding game of the 2009 WNBA Finals. This was the second WNBA title for the Mercury.

Ohlde, a six-year veteran center and playing her first with Phoenix, helped the Mercury to the league’s best record this season (23-10) and the top seed in the Western Conference. The product of Clay Center, Kan., fought through a wrist injury this season and averaged 5.2 points per game on a .535 field goal percentage in her 21 regular season games this season. She also recorded averages of 2.8 rebounds and 0.9 blocks.

In her second career playoff appearance, Ohlde averaged 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds. During the WNBA finals, Ohlde averaged 2.2 points and 1.4 rebounds and registered a career-high of six points in game three of the series with the Fever.

The two-time Big 12 Player of the Year (2003 and 2004) and two-time consensus All-American (2003 and 2004) finished her K-State career with 2,241 points, 995 rebounds, 367 assists and 204 blocked shots.

The 2009-10 Kansas State women’s basketball season begins with an exhibition game against Fort Hays State on November 3 in Bramlage Coliseum. K-State’s regular season begins Nov. 14 in Manhattan against Indiana State.

Women’s basketball season tickets begin at $78 for general admission, while bench and chairback seating is available for $99 and $132, respectively.

The most convenient way to order tickets is online at www.kstatesports.com. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the K-State Athletic Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum or by calling toll-free, (800) 221-CATS.