March 8, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - The College of Saint Mary (Neb.) made their first national tournament appearance in Wednesday's first round of the 15^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship. The CSM Flames defeated the MidAmerica Nazarene Lady Pioneers 64-48 at the Tyson Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

College of Saint Mary took control in the first half, hitting twice as many field goals (12 compared to six),  and earned a 33-18 lead by halftime. MidAmerica matched CSM point for point in the second half, but it was not enough to recover the first half's deficit.

CSM's senior guard, Chelsea Malone had a well rounded game and was just short of a triple-double with 21 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 8 steals.  As a team the Flames snatched 22 steals in the game.

Katie Homan was the only other Flames' to reach double digits, scoring 12 points. CSM shot 45 percent in the game, 52 percent in the second half, to MidAmerica's 32 percent.

Jenna Matson led the scoring for the Lady Pioneers with 17 points. MidAmerica's standout year, which included a school record 27 wins and the 400^th victory for Coach Bill Olin, closes with a final record of 27-7.

Saint Mary advances to the second round game on Friday at 10:15 a.m. against the winner of Judson (Ill.) and Hastings (Neb.) who play in the final game tonight.

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

Box Score