Balanced Attack Propels Lady Eagles in NCCAA National Tournament, Defeat Columbia International, 84-77

Winona Lake, IN:  The 4th-seeded Alice Lloyd College Lady Eagles, under the direction of Coach John Mills, began their quest for a second NCCAA National Championship in three years by opening up tournament play against the 5th-seeded Lady Rams of Columbia International University (SC). Despite a tipoff time of 8:30 am, the morning air was great for the Pippa Passes crew as they fired their way to a big 84-77 victory. The Quarter-final matchup took place on Wednesday, March 14th. 
In the opening period, both squads shot well, but the Rams would sprint out to an 11-6 cushion in the first four minutes. Fortunately for the Eagles, sophomore guard Katie Jo Moore, junior guard Hannah Malcomson, and junior forward Madison Thompson would combine for 18 points to lead their club back to a 23-16 advantage after ten minutes of play. 
In the second quarter, ALC would turn to leading scorer Hannah Kash, and she delivered in a major way. The senior guard pumped in 13 points in the stanza to keep her foes at bay. When she swished a long bomb just ahead of the buzzer to signal intermission, her bucket lifted the Kentucky girls to a 47-35 lead. The Lady Eagles were fueled by their outside shooting, as they drained 8-14 triples in the first twenty minutes.
In the third period, the Caney Creek crew would pull ahead by 14 following a driving bucket from Malcomson, but CIU would turn to guard Hannah Wilkerson to remain in contention. Her scoring would enable the Carolina team to creep closer. Still, Alice Lloyd would lead by seven (66-59) entering the last ten minutes.
In the final quarter, the Rams refused to go away. They would slowly chip into the deficit and get within two points (74-72) just past the midpoint. Happily, for the Eagle fans, senior center Bailee Brainard, and Thompson, would each sink big inside shots to lead a resurgence. In the end, clutch free throws from Moore and Kash would seal the deal for the huge win.
For the Pippa Passes squad (20-9), Kash would lead the way with 22 points, including 17 in the first half. She sank 3 bombs and 3-3 free throws while grabbing 7 boards. Malcomson had her best game of the season, as she bagged 4 trifectas to finish with 14 points. 
Brainard sank 5-6 shots to finish with 13 points, and also snagged 8 rebounds. Moore provided 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists, while Thompson provided a nice double-double with 11 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. 
Moore and senior guard Tori Hampton each had 2 steals, while sophomore forward MaKayla May chipped in with 6 points and 5 boards. Freshman guard Shelby Stewart led the club with 5 assists.
The victors won by shooting 41.1% (30-73) from the field and 43.5% (10-23) from long range. They connected on 77.8% (14-18) from the foul line, and added 44 rebounds, 18 assists, 7 steals, and 2 blocks.
Columbia International (18-15) was led by Wilkerson with a game-high 26 points. Her squad finished shooting 46.2% (30-65) from the field and 31.8% (7-22) from long range. They hurt themselves greatly from the charity stripe, finishing at just 52.6% (10-19). They also added 42 rebounds, 13 assists, and 5 steals.
The Lady Eagles will now return to action this Thursday, March 16th, in the semi-final contest. They will face the overall top-seeded Oakland City University (IN) Lady Oaks. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm.