March 18, 2006

JACKSON, Tenn. - Top-seeded Vanguard University (Calif.) ended Oklahoma Baptist University's run as a No. 6 seed with 69-53 victory to advance to the semifinals of the 26th annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship at Oman Arena.

Vanguard fell behind in the opening minutes to the Lady Bisons, trailing 10-4 with 14 minutes to play in the first half, but that would be OBU's largest lead of the game, as the Lions went on a run to tie the game 12-12, and then take the lead moments late on a pair of free throws by Lindsey Rinke. The Lions built their lead to as many as 12 points in the first half, 28-16, but carried only a 28-25 lead into the break.

Their lead grew to as many as 17 in the second half, as they led 55-38 with six minutes to play. They bounced back from a 34 percent field goal percentage in the first half to shoot 65 percent in the second, while OBU shot 44 percent.

Kelly Schmidt scored went 11-of-17 from the floor to score 27 points to lead Vanguard, while Jessica Richter added 15 points and six assists. Melissa Cook led the team with seven rebounds.

Oklahoma Baptist was led by Kristin Anderson's 15 points and six rebounds. Rachel Heins, Lena Brennings and Tabetha Eaton each scored 11 for the Lady Bisons.

Vanguard improves to 31-1 on the season and advances to their second-ever semifinal appearance Monday at 6 p.m. to face the winner of top-seeded Trevecca-Nazarene University (Tenn.) and Lubbock Christian University (Texas).

The Lions last appearance in the semifinals came in 2003 with a 62-49 loss to Southern Oklahoma University (Okla), who went on to win the championship.