March 7, 2007

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Taylor University (Ind.), a No. 6, pulled the first upset of the day, knocking off Dakota State University (S.D.), 67-56, in first round action at the 16^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

Ironically, it was Dakota State who helped Taylor earn their bid to the tournament. A win by Dakota State in their conference championship allowed Taylor an at-large bid.

The Lady Trojans of Taylor trailed by as many as four before going on an 11-0 run midway through the opening frame to take a 24-13 lead. The Taylor lead swelled to as many as 16 before taking a 39-25 cushion into the lockerroom at halftime.

 

In the second half Taylor pushed their lead to 20 (58-38) with 9:12 left in the second half. Dakota State then started to chip away, pulling within 11 with just inside of five minutes, but would get no closer.

 

Taylor was led in scoring by the duo of Katie Madden and Jenny Dawes who had a dozen each. Madden notched the double double, grabbing 11 rebounds. As a team the Lady Trojans shot an even 50 percent from the field to help offset 26 turnovers.

 

Dakota State had a pair of players finish with double digits; Jill Hansen (16) and Maria Gengler (12). As a team the Lady T's had 16 steals and dished out 15 assists.

Taylor will face the winner of Morningside and Davenport in the second round at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9.

 

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