March 9, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - The Great Plains Athletic Conference advances all of four teams with Doane College's (Neb.) win over Ottawa University (Kan.), 50-40, Thursday night in the final 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.

Neither team shot well from the field.  Doane converted 29 percent of their shots from the floor, while Ottawa hit only 14 percent. In an evenly matched game statistically both teams committed 23 turnovers, but Doane capitalized on the miscues, scoring 18 points off turnovers.

Freshman Lindsay Anderson led the Doane Tigers with 12 points. Marti Belcha was a close second with 11 points and Ashley Sullwold pulled down 10 boards in the winning effort.

Ottawa's duo of Renee' Sidney and Amanda Stichler combined to pull down 28 of the Lady Braves' 52 rebounds. Sidney finished the game with a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. She also swatted for shots in the contest.  Stichler also grabbed 14 rebounds in the game and had eight points.  Hallie Bryce and Brittany Broyles scored 10 apiece.

Doane will face Benedictine in the second round at 9:15pm on Friday.

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