March 8, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Bryan College held off a late Bethel College rally to win 73-68 in Wednesday's first round game of the 15^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship. The 2006 event is being held at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Bryan led by as many as 17 points in the second half.  But Bethel closed the gap to two with just over a minute remaining in the game.  Bryan's Lady Lions made 3 of 4 free throws in the final 20 seconds to secure the win. This is third overall and second consecutive appearance in the national tournament.  Last year they lost to Doane College in the opening round, 70-65.

In an evenly matched game statistically it was the charity stripe that proved to be the difference. For the game Bryan connected on 19 of 25 free throws while Bethel was 9 of 10 from the free throw line.

Bryan was led by junior center, Brittney Swanson who finished with 21 points. Sarah Coffman added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ashley Gray was also in double figures with 17 points.

Bethel was paced by the duo of Whitney Baird and Amanda Cunningham who had 21 and 19 points respectively. The Lady Wildcats were also making their third appearance at the national tournament.

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

Box Score