March 19, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. - Seven players reached double figures in scoring to lead No. 1-seeded Union (Tenn.) University past University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma, 95-66, in an opening-round contest at the 28^th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship.

 

Junior center Josephine Owino led the way with a team-high 17 points to go with a game-high 10 rebounds, and sophomore guard Kaitlin Dudley added 15 points for Union, which is making its NAIA-record 17^th consecutive national tournament appearance. The victory also gives Union its 54^th win in its past 56 games overall, as well as its 14^th win in its past 15 national tournament contests.

 

Union used a 23-7 run to erase an early 10-7 first-half deficit and take a 33-17 lead with 7:44 to play in the first half, and Science & Arts never got closer than 15 points the rest of the way. Another 12-3 run late in the second half gave Union its largest lead of the game at 88-55 with just over three minutes remaining in the game.

 

Science & Arts was led by junior forward Yesi Castillo's team-highs of 23 points and nine rebounds, and senior guard Kartesha Rambo was the only other player in double figures with 11 points. The Drovers were held to a 35 percent (24-for-68) shooting effort from the field and they committed 19 turnovers compared to just eight for Union.

 

Union took advantage of 19 Science & Arts turnovers for a 23-2 advantage in points off turnovers. Freshman guard Kayla Hudson scored 10 points and had a game-high seven assists. Junior guard Jessica Graves and freshman forward Zeinab Chan each tallied 13 points off the bench for Union.

 

Union improves to 33-0 on the season, advancing to a second-round matchup with The Master's on Friday at 8 p.m. Science & Arts drops to a final overall record of 17-15.

 

NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.