No. 2 UMD women’s basketball first NSIC team in 10 years to tip-off in Final Four
UMD women's basketball hoists the Central Regional trophy.
Ten years ago was the last time the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) sent a team to the NCAA Division II Women’s Final Four.
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s basketball will break that drought this Wednesday. They join Augsburg University (2012-2013) and Minnesota State University-Mankato (2008-2009) as the only NSIC womens programs to make a Final Four appearance.
In a convincing 61-41 victory over No. 7 Assumption University Monday the Bulldogs bulldozed their way out of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and into their first-ever Final Four.
“Just excited to play another game and to get a crack at going to the national championship, which is what we have our eyes on right now. We’re going to soak it in but also we’re going to get to work and try to win on Wednesday. I think we’re fully capable of coming away with a win if we play our game,” graduate student forward Brooke Olson said.
Nine players tallied points in their Elite Eight win proving their team depth, and helping UMD earn their 13th straight win.
“We’re full of playmakers but we’re full of unselfish playmakers,” head coach Mandy Pearson said. “Regardless one through 16 on our team they understand ball movement, and they understand taking good shots, and helping each other out so we can be successful on offense. Our depth has been one of our strengths this year, definitely.”
No. 2 UMD (31-3) tips-off the Final Four Wednesday at 6 p.m. against No. 6 Catawba College (29-5) in St. Joseph, Missouri. For the bracket, Click Here.
“Faster game, more up-pace kind of using that full court press on us too we’re expecting,” Olson said about Catawba. “The great thing about our conference is that we play so many different teams and so many different tempos that I think we’re prepared for anything that they give at us.”