March 9, 2007

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - No. 1 seed Indiana Wesleyan kept their perfect season intact, defeating No. 4 seed Tabor (Kan.), 61-44, on Friday afternoon to advance to the quarterfinals of the 16^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Tabor (26-6) was able to keep things close throughout the first half thanks in part to shooting 42.9 percent from the field, while limiting Indiana Wesleyan (35-0) 37.9 percent shooting. The Wildcats were just 3-of-13 from beyond the arc in the opening frame.

Indiana Wesleyan improved from the floor in the second half behind the play of Liz Howerth. Howerth was a consistent force for the Wildcats, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a blocked shot. Stephanie Culp was the only other Wildcat to reach double figures with 14 points.

In an even game statistically, both squads shot well, with Tabor hitting 41.5 percent and Indiana Wesleyan 41.4 percent of their shots. Tabor edged the Wildcats on the boards, 33-30, but Indiana Wesleyan made the most of 23 turnovers by the Blue Jays.

Tabor had three players in double figures. Stacie Herman led the way with a dozen while Emily Vogts and Nicole Ellis added 11 and 10 points respectively.

Indiana Wesleyan, the top ranked team in the nation throughout the regular season, will play in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. against the defending national champion Hastings College.  

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