March 15, 2008

SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - No. 1 seed Northwestern (Iowa) shrugged off an early threat from Black Hills State to cruise to a 91-69 victory in the quarterfinals of the17^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Northwestern (33-2) weathered the first half onslaught in the first half as Black Hills was able to keep the game within two points at 44-42 at halftime. The Red Raiders though went on a 15 to three run in the beginning the second half and did not look back.

Black Hills State (28-6) did not have an answer for All-American Debbie Remmerde who keyed the Red Raider run with a game high and tournament high 40 points on 13-of-21 shooting. Amy Larson added 15 points while Randa Hulstein added 14 points off the bench for Northwestern.

Black Hills was led by Lacey Haughian with 18 points while Snjezana Dojcinovic added 17 points for the Yellow Jackets.

 

Northwestern advances to the semifinals to take on the Morningside (Iowa) at 8:00 p.m. on Monday. This is the Mustangs first time in the semifinals since 2006 when they lost to Hastings (Neb.) 63-50.

Black Hills State ends the season in the quarterfinals matching their best finish in the NAIA Div. II National Tournament since the 1997 season when they lost in the championship game to Northwest Nazarene (Idaho) 64-46.