March 8, 2007

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - No. 2 seed MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.) led from start to finish as the defeated No. 7 seed Geneva College (Pa.), 86-64, in the first round of the16^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

MidAmerica Nazarene (31-3) forced 10 Geneva (24-5) turnovers and limited the Golden Tornadoes to just 17.9 percent shooting in the first half. Geneva had just five field goals in the opening frame as MidAmerica opened up a 43-21 lead at the break.

 

The Golden Tornadoes found their groove from the field in the second half shooting 51.4 percent from the floor. Geneva opened with a 12-2 run over during the first four and half minutes of the second frame to pull within 45-33. That proved to be as close as the Golden Tornadoes would get the rest of the way, as the Lady Pioneers, matched Geneva shot for shot down the stretch.

Both teams shot well in the second half as the Lady Pioneers converted on 57.1 percent of their opportunities from the field, including nine triples for the game. MidAmerica was led by Jenna Matson who scored 16 of her game high 20 points in the second half after playing just four minutes in the first half.

 

Ashley Patterson was close to the first triple double of the tournament with 15 points, 16 rebounds and seven blocked shots for MidAmerica. Others in double digits included JoNel Henning (18) and Jess Gray (11).

The Golden Tornadoes had a pair of players with double digits, Jackie Anthony (19) and Allyson Clarke (17). Clarke also grabbed 12 caroms for the double double.

 

MidAmerica Nazarene will take on Ottawa in the second round on Friday at 10:15 a.m.

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