March 7, 2007

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Despite struggling from the line No. 4 seed Morningside College (Iowa) was able to better No. 5 seed Davenport University (Mich.), 79-69, in the first round of the 16^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

The Mustangs of Morningside (20-11) led by as many as 18 in the first half and 16 in the second half en route to the 10-point victory. Davenport (25-7) didn't go down without a fight, getting within four with 5:06 left in the game.

Trailing by 16, the Panthers went on a 14-3 run, capped by a three-pointer by Sara Haverdink. That three pulled Davenport to within four. Morningside was able to push their lead back up to 11 and it hovered around that area the rest of the game.

 

Morningside had the opportunity to pad their lead via the charity stripe, but went just 9-of-22 in the second half and 11-of-25 for the game. The Mustangs did shoot well from the field, better in fact than from the free-throw line, hitting 46.3 percent from the floor compared to just 44.0 percent from the strip.

 

Four starters finished in double figures for the balance Morningside attack, led by Dani Gass and Autumn Bartel with 16 each. Gass had full box score with six assists and nine rebounds as well. Alisha Willey and Brittany Williamson added 15 and 14 points respectively.

 

All of the Davenport points came from their starting five, including a huge game by Jeanette Woodberry who had a game-high 30 points. Lynne Blomberg had a double double (20 points, rebounds), while Sara Haverdink chipped in with 10, nine coming from beyond the arc.

Morningside will face No. 1 seed Cedarville 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.