Vallejo, Calif. - Park-Gilbert overcame a sluggish start, while La Sierra University posted a huge fourth quarter to pick up wins in the opening round of the California Pacific Conference (Cal Pac) Women's Basketball Championship Tournament in Vallejo, Calif.
The Buccaneers (#4 seed), put together a huge second half to rally past the Red Hawks of Simpson University (#5 seed) and will now advance to Monday's semifinal matchup with the Bobcats of UC Merced (#1 seed). The Golden Eagles (#3 seed), pulled away from the Firebirds of Saint Katherine (#6 seed), 81-69 after the two teams battled back and forth for three periods. The Golden Eagles will face the Warriors of Westcliff University at 7:30 p.m.
The winners of the Cal Pac semifinals not only advance to the Cal Pac Championship game (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.), but also secure the conference's two NAIA direct qualification bids. The NAIA Women's National Tournament takes place, March 11th and 12th at regional campus sites, with four teams battling elimination. The winner of the opening round advances to the National Championship Site, March 17th-22nd in Sioux City, Iowa.
#3 LA SIERRA 81, #6 SAINT KATHERINE 69 (Monday, Feb. 27th)
The Golden Eagles (18-10) and the Firebirds (13-14) went toe-to-toe for more than three quarters, with neither team building more than a five-point lead. La Sierra University's balanced offensive attack and tenacious defense enabled the Golden Eagles to pull away over the final six minutes and keep their postseason alive. The Golden Eagles erupted for 26 points in the final 10 minutes, while holding the Firebirds to just 11 points.
The Firebirds took a 58-55 lead into the final quarter, but that quickly changed within a minute, as Kaylee Martinez made a layup, however, neither team had more than a two-point advantage for the next three minutes. Melanie De Leon hit a 3-pointer with 5:58 remaining, putting the Golden Eagles up 67-62 and igniting a 14-7 run to close out the game. Both teams had five players score in double digits.
Kayla De Leon led the Golden Eagles with 16 points, while Sydney Wallner finished with 14 points, eight assists, and four steals. Mercedes Ofoegbu contributed 14 points, while Martinez and M. De Leon each added 10 points.
