WICHITA, KS. - The Vanguard University Women's Basketball team (7-5) faced off against MidAmerica Nazarene University Ks. (19-4) for a spot in the NAIA National Tournament Final Site. The Lions trailed for 35 of the 40 minutes before pushing ahead by three points. A couple of miraculous shots by MNU's Jordynn Gonzalez would send the game to OT where the Pioneers pulled away for a 75-64 victory.
What Happened? Both teams had to overcome some early postseason jitters as they struggled from the field. The Lions knocked down nine of their first ten free-throws to keep them in the game, tying things up at 13 early on. The Pioneers would counter with an 8-0 run, but a three-ball by Tristen Rollon and a layup by Aggie Manu would cut the deficit to two. Baumgartner would knock down a three late in the half as the Lions trailed 26-31 after the first 20 minutes.
After both teams traded early baskets in the third quarter, these two teams would go on a five-minute scoring drought that was finally broken by a three by Gabriella Rosas. Down six, the Lons went on a mini-run as Manu knocked down a three, and Elad got on the board with a layup. Rosas knocked down a three with 19 seconds left in the third to make it a one-point game with a trip to Kansas City on the line and one quarter to go.
A Rosas three tied the game at 46 with 8:07 left in the fourth before a basket by Giner and another three by Rosas gave the Lions their first lead in the contest so far with 5:53 remaining. Lauren Baumgartner would hit a bucket to give the Lions a four-point edge, but Jordynn Gonzalez would respond with a three-pointer. Estefania hit a clutch bucket with 34 seconds, but Gonzalez would come off a screen and hit a massive three to tie the game with 15 seconds left on the clock. Out of a Vanguard timeout, the Lions got a good look, but the shot wouldn't fall and we would get to watch some free basketball.
In the overtime period, MNU's Mackenzie Loe scored the first six points for the Pioneers as they jumped out to a 10 point advantage. A big swing of momentum occurred as Rosas hit a three while a Pioneer defender plowed through an Airiana Madanski screen sending her to a line where she hit both free-throws in a five-point swing. Unfortunately, that was as close as the Lions would come as MNU stretched their lead back up to ten, eventually taking the contest 75-64.
Why It's Important? The Lions were able to keep their postseason streak alive this year as they moved their streak to 21 straight years. Vanguard would finish the year with a record of 7-5 in the COVID-shortened season and saw Rosas and Michaella Elad be named to the All-Conference team; Elad also earned the GSAC Defense Player of the Year award.
Top Performers: Rosas led all scorers with 24 points on 8-18 shooting from the field to go with four rebounds and three assists. Baumgartner would record a double-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Tristen Rollon would round things out with nine points, five assists, three rebounds, and three steals for the Blue and Gold.
What They Said: "Tough loss in OT tonight for sure. I'm disappointed we didn't finish the game but not disappointed in my team. They handled this crazy season with limited games and a pandemic with six weeks off in the middle of the year with integrity and class," said Head Coach Russ Davis. "The Lord blessed us with an incredible group. We're very thankful to all the people back home that worked hard for us to have a season."
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