March 10, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Two-time defending national champion Morningside College (Iowa) was eliminated by Cardinal Strich (Wis), 80-60, Friday night in the second round of the 15^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship. The 2006 event is being held at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

This was the first loss for the Mustangs in the Tyson Events Cetner/Gateway Arena in 12 tournament games. Morningside was 10-0 coming into this year's tournament. In addition it was only the second lost ever for the Mustangs in tournament play. In 2003, when games were played in the Municipal Auditorium, they lost in the first-round to Cedarville. Since that loss Morningside has had 11 straight tournament victories.

 

Katie Rogers netted 24 points in leading Cardinal Stritch to their 28^th win against four defeats.  Rogers was 8 of 13 from the floor including 4 of 9 shooting from behind the three-point line.  Megan Pazdera also scored in double-figures with 18 for the Wolves.  Cardinal Stritch shot 42 percent for the game and made 21 of 23 free throws. 

 

By contrast Morningside shot just 33 percent from the field (20 of 60) and 6 of 24 from the three point line.  The Mustangs were 14 of 25 from the free throw line (56%).   

Cardinal Stritch dominated glass in the game out-rebounding the Mustangs 48-33, and the Wolves were led by Carlie Weber's 14 caroms, while Katie Rodgers added eight rebounds.

Morningside freshman Dani Gass was one of three Mustangs in double-figures on the night scoring 17 points.  Jill Pudenz and Kayla Wibben each netted 10 a piece as Morningside ends the season at 28-7. 

Cardinal Stritch, in their tenth appearance, will play in the quarterfinals for the first time on Saturday.  The Wolves will play University of Saint Francis (Ind.) (27-7) in the 6:00PM game. 

 

For more information on the Division II Women's Basketball National Championship log on to www.naia.org.

 

Box Score