March 12, 2008

SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - Four players reached double figures, and every player that saw action scored for fourth seed Concordia University, Nebraska as they downed sixth-seeded Union College (K.Y.), 84-64, in the opening round of the17^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

Concordia (25-6) went on a 10 to two run midway through the first half to open up a 29-19 advantage with 6:54 remaining. The Bulldogs used that momentum to propel themselves to a 41-27 halftime lead. The closest Union (27-6) would get is within14 points at 76-62.

The Bulldogs were led by junior Whitney Stichka with 18 points. Senior post Jenni Lovegrove added a double-double for Concordia, with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Also reaching double digits was Melissa Tikham (12) and Stacy Sheer (11). Concordia also was 26-for-38 from the free throw line.

Union was paced by sophomore Brooke Smith. Smith finished one rebound shy of a double-double with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Also reaching double digits were Susanna Todd (14) and Allison Fowler (12).

Concordia will take on Davenport on Friday morning at 8:30 a.m.