March 14, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - No. 1-seeded Vanguard University (Calif.) remained unbeaten through 29 games this season, holding off eighth-seeded Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.) for a 74-64 victory in the first round of the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

Harris-Stowe State, making its first-ever NAIA tournament appearance, trailed by just one point at 59-58 with just under five minutes remaining after a pair of Marvis Jackson free throws. However, Vanguard's Kelly Schmidt converted a three-point play on the ensuing possession to spark an 11-3 run that gave the Lions a 70-61 lead with two minutes to play.

Rachel Besse scored 18 of her game-high 26 points in the second half, and Schmidt finished with 19 points on seven-of-eight shooting from the field and a game-high 16 rebounds. Jessica Richter added 17 points, while Tiari Goold dished out a game-high 10 assists for the Lions.

Harris-Stowe State was led by Laniya Stevens' 19-point, 15-rebound double-double, and Kanisha Pettis was the only other Hornets player to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points. Stephanie Roberts pulled down 14 rebounds for the Hornets.

With the win, Vanguard improves to 29-0 on the season and advances to a second-round matchup with fourth-seeded Oklahoma City on Friday at 10:45 a.m. Harris-Stowe State finishes its season with a 13-19 record.