March 7, 2007

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - No. 4 seed Tabor College (Kan.) overcame a poor shooting first half en route to a first round victory over fifth seed Cardinal Stritch University, 46-41, in the opening game of the16^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

Tabor (26-5) was led by Emily Vogts who finished with a double double (20 points, 10 rebounds). Vogts was the only Blue Jay in double figures. Nicole Ellis and Stacie Herman chipped in with nine and eight points respectively.

 

Both teams struggled from the floor, Tabor shot just 26.9 percent while Cardinal Stritch was 29.1 percent. Between the two squads 107 shots were taken and just 30 made. Tabor was more accurate from the charity stripe, converting on 65.4 percent of their attempts (17-of-26).

 

Cardinal Stritch (25-6), who led at half by a bucket, hit just three of their nine free throw attempts in the second half and 7-of-13 in the game. Marianna Herrera paced the Wolves in the loss with 10 points. She was the only Cardinal Stritch player in double digits.

Tabor advances to the second round game at Noon and will face the winner of Indiana Wesleyan and Saint Joseph (Vt.).

For more information on the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship visit www.naia.org.