March 9, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) led wire to wire and defeated Minot State University (N.D.) 71-63 in Thursday's first round 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.

With the win the Lady Cougars improve to 18-9 overall in 10 tournament appearances. Their victory set the NAIA Division II Women's tournament record for most all-time victories. Saint Francis previously shared the record with Shawnee State.

Saint Francis limited the Minot State Beavers to only two points over a four minute span as they built a lead of many as 19 during the first half. At halftime the scored favored Saint Francis, 41-26.

In the second half, Saint Francis continued their success extending their lead to 23 points over Minot.  The Lady Beavers rallied back to get within eight in the final minute, but could not catch the Lady Cougars.

Seniors Amdana Engleking and Cassie Reeder led Saint Francis in the scoring. Engleking scored 15 points and Reeder, who leads the NAIA in assists per game, turned in 10 points and 10 assists. The duo was two of four players in double figures for Saint Francis.

In an evenly played game statistically both teams shot the ball well as Saint Francis hit on 46.6 percent and Miniot State converted 44.3 percent of their attempts.

Four players also reached double figures for Minot State. Kendra Meyer led the way with 21 points and Andrea Brodina added 13 points and five boards. Jennifer Sundahl and Jenny Castro each chipped in with 10 points.

Saint Francis will play on Friday at 2:15 p.m. against the winner of Menlo College (Calif.) and Davenport University (Mich.).

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

Box Score