March 22, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. - Trevecca Nazarene (Tenn.) University, a No. 6 seed in the 28^th Annual NAIA DI Women's National Championships, continued their assault on higher-seeded teams with a 68-50 win over No. 4 seed Loyola (La.) University-New Orleans.  The Trojans of Trevecca Nazarene have three wins to this point in the tournament, including victories over No. 3 Southern Nazarene (Okla.), No. 2 Langston, (Okla.), and now No. 4 Loyola.

Trevecca Nazarene, after falling in each of the last three seasons in the quarterfinals, earns a spot in their team's first national tournament semifinal on Monday night.

TNU's head coach, Gary Van Atta stated after the game, "I knew this team had it in them."  He adds, "Any they knew is also.  I just had to help them heal from the scars of some of the early losses."

Loyola opened with the game's first basket on a lay up from Trenese Smith.  Trevecca Nazarene then rattled off a 10-0 run to go up 12-2 with 15:38 left in the first half.  The Wolfpack of Loyola remained within striking distance for a while, but Trevecca Nazarene was able to stretch their largest first half lead up to 17 points, 37-20, with 1:44 left in the half.  The Trojans held a 16-point halftime advantage, 39-23.

In the second half, Trevecca Nazarene kept applying the pressure as they used an 8-2 run to start the half, pushing their lead up to 22-points.  The Trojans led by 22 points on three occasions in the second half, with the latest coming 64-42 with 3:56 left in the game following a three pointer from K.C Van Atta.  Trevecca Nazarene then coasted to the 68-50 final.

"Our team defense in this tournament has been huge", states Van Atta. "We've held some very good offensive teams well below their scoring averages."

Loyola cut the lead down to 11 points once in the second half, but their 23-percent shooting from the field, including just 15-percent (5-33) from behind the arc, hurt any chance of a quarterfinal rally.

Trevecca Nazarene was led by Jennifer Bognar with 20 points and nine rebounds.  Miriska Reed posted 13 points, while K.C. Van Atta added 11 points.

Loyola, who ends their program's best run in the national tournament with a record of 28-7, was led by Trenell Smith with 20 points.  Trenese Smith scored 14, while Christine Mainguy added nine rebounds.

Trevecca Nazarene (22-11) makes their first semifinal appearance on Monday night, March 24 at 6:00 pm versus the winner of the Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.)/Lubbock Christian (Texas) game.

 NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.