March 9, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Two-time reigning national champs Morningside College (Iowa) sped past first-time qualifier University of Virginia's College at Wise, 82-62, Thursday in the 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.

Morningside started the game on a 13-0 run and never looked back. The Mustangs led by as many as 27 points throughout the game.

Senior guard Jennifer Francescon led the Mustangs with 16 points.  She was on of five Morningside players who scored in double digits: Alisha Wiley (11), Dani Gass (10), Jill Pudenz (10) and Autumn Bartel (10).

Wise's offense was led by junior Rachel Helton who scored 25 points.  Chelsea Lee turned in 15 points.  Sarah Helton, also a junior, scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds.

Morningside shot 42 percent from the field compared to Wise's who connected on 37 percent of their attempts. The Mustangs also out-rebounded Wise 53-36.

Morningside will play Cardinal Stritch University (Wis.) at 7:30pm on Friday in the second round.

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

Box Score