March 13, 2008

SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - No. 7 seed Eastern Oregon (25-5) scratched their way to a 52-49 upset of No. 2 seed Cardinal Strich (26-5) in the final game of 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.

The two teams played even for thirty five minutes in the physical contest, with neither side able to distance themselves by more than six points and the score being tied seven times, before Eastern Oregon's Sheena Henderson pulled down an offensive rebound and was able to get the put back to fall to give the Mountaineers the lead with :49.

Cardinal Strich thought they had taken the lead on a Jeni Caldwell lay-in but the points were premature because Caldwell was whistled for an offensive foul and possession returned to Eastern Oregon. The Mountaineers would add two more free-throws and the desperation attempts by Cardinal Strich fell short.

Eastern Oregon was led offensively by Henderson with the double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Elise Hawes also went for a double-double off the bench with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Cardinal Strich was paced by the duo of Caldwell and Beth Gilgenbach, each with 10 points for the Wolves.

Eastern Oregon advances to the second round to take on Black Hills State (S.D.) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.