March 8, 2007
SIOUX CITY, Iowa - The first day of the 16th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa, saw two upsets and a common name a the event continue to climb the charts. Cedarville senior Brittany Smart closed in on the all-time tournament scoring mark and Iowa Wesleyan and Taylor each played spoiler on the opening day of first round action.
The day opened as 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. Tabor shot just 26.9 percent while Cardinal Stritch was 29.1 percent. The Blue Jays of Tabor were led by Emily Vogts who finished with a double double (20 points, 10 rebounds).
In a one of the closest games of the day William Jewell College used solid free-throw shooting down the stretch to pull away from Cornerstone University for a 73-64 win.
Both of the No. 1 seeds in action on the opening day of play picked up convincing wins. Indiana Wesleyan (34-0), who held the No.1 ranking the entire season, opened up an early lead (11-0) and never looked back en route to a 69-25 win over Saint Joseph (Vt.).
After a slow start No. 1 seed Cedarville University picked up the pace and outdistanced No. 8 seed Union College (Ky.), 86-63. Cedarville was paced by Brittany Smart, the all-time leading scorer in NAIA Division II, who finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steal. Smart now has 321 career tournament points, second all-time.
Defending champion and No. 2 seed Hastings College (Neb.) kept their hopes of repeating alive with a 74-47 victory over Eastern Oregon. The Broncos (27-6) used a 21-7 run to break an eight all tie at the 13:06 mark and never looked back. All five starters were in double figures for Hastings.
Taylor University (Ind.), a No. 6 seed, pulled the only upset of the day, knocking off No. 3 seed Dakota State University (S.D.), 67-56. The Lady Trojans shot an even 50 percent from the field to help offset 26 turnovers. They were 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.
Despite struggling from the line No. 4 seed Morningside College (Iowa) was able to better No. 5 seed Davenport University (Mich.), 79-69. 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.
In the final game of the night No. 7 seed Iowa Wesleyan College became the second lower-seeded team to pull an upset, downing No. 2 seed Menlo College (Calif.), 63-50. The Tiger out-scored Menlo 38-23 in the second frame, shooting a blistering 53.8 percent from the floor. Ashley Swick led the Tigers with 17 while Ali DeVries chipped in with 16 and Rachel Mitchell had a dozen.
The 32-team, single elimination tournament continues Thursday, March 8, with the remaining eight games of the first round. Friday features eight games in the second round. Saturday is the quarterfinal round and Monday, March 13 is the semifinal round. The tournament concludes Tuesday, March 14 with the championship game at 8:30 p.m.
For statistical leaders from the first day of action along with more information on the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship log on to www.naia.org.
