March 16, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Sixth-seeded Lubbock Christian University (Texas) defeated third-seeded Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) 69-54 to advance to the second round of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

Point Loma Nazarene led for the first 17 minutes of play, leading by as many as nine points (18-9) eight minutes into the game. With three minutes to play in the opening half, Sierra Wilcox hit a 3-point shot to tie the game for the first time at 22-22, as LCU took the lead on their next possession and went on to take a 27-24 halftime lead.

In the second half, Point Loma worked the game tied three more times, taking a one-point lead twice around the 13 minute mark, but that was the closest that they would come. Lubbock went on to outscore Point Loma 22-14 in the final 10 minutes to collect their first-ever win at an NAIA Women's Basketball Championship.

This is Lubbock Christian's third consecutive year to qualify, having lost in the opening round both years before. Point Loma makes their fifth tournament appearance, but will not play in the second round for the first time since their first appearance in 1991.

Ashley Hunter scored 14 points to lead Lubbock Christian, while Candace Clenney followed with 13. Sierra Wilcox added 12, followed by Carolyn Manning's 11 points.

Point Loma Nazarene was led by Kati Hilbelink's 22 points, including four 3-point baskets. Kerra Wodarskit followed with 12 points and four assists.

Lubbock Christian improves to 20-11 on the season and advances to the second round on Friday at 10:45 a.m. to face second-seeded Houston Baptist University (Texas) (28-3).