March 11, 2006
SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Hastings College (Neb.) advanced to the semifinals defeating Dakota State University (S.D.), 55-41, Saturday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the 15th 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.
Dakota State led by one, 8-7, after a slow-paced opening five minutes. Hastings picked things up in the next 6:38, going on a 16-0 run to take a 22-8 lead. The Hastings Broncos benefited from 11 turnovers by Dakota State in the opening half, converting them into 11 points en route to a 31-17 halftime lead.
The run by Broncos proved to be too much for Dakota State to overcome, getting no closer than 11 the rest of the way. The Lady Trojans struggled from the field all afternoon, shooting just 28.8 percent from the field and 2 of 16 from beyond the arc for the game.
Hastings was paced in scoring by Stacy Svoboda who finished with 13 points. Svoboda who also added nine rebounds, scored 10 of her team leading points in the second half. Lynnze Martinsen finished with 11 and was the only other Bronco in double figures. In all nine different Hastings players scored.
Laura Tewes turned in a solid performance for Dakota State notching the double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Tewes converted on 8 of 13 from the floor and 3 of 5 from the charity stripe. The next highest scorer for Dakota State was Jessica VanLoy with five. The Lady Trojans end their season with a record of 22-11.
Hastings, in their eight tournament appearance, moves on to the semifinals for the third time. The Broncos were national champions in 2002 and 2003. Hastings (29-6) will play the winner of Cedarville University (Ohio) and Northwestern College (Iowa) in the 6:00 p.m. game on Monday, March 13.
For more information on the Division II Women's Basketball National Championship log on to www.naia.org.
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