JC women qualify for nationals

The Jimmie women's basketball has earned another trip to nationals.

Jamestown College, ranked 16th in NAIA Division II, defeated Ashford University of Iowa 83-68 in semifinal play of the Association of Independent Institutions tournament at the Civic Center on Saturday.

"I'm happy for the girls. It was a goal for us to get to this point, but I don't think any of our girls are satisfied," JC women's coach Greg Ulland said.

The Jimmies' superior size and shooting was too much for the Saints, who made an early second-half run, but a barrage of 3-pointers by Jamestown College ended any hopes of an Ashford upset.

After the Saints scored 13 of the first 14 points of the second half to take their first lead of the game at 40-37, the Jimmies found the range from deep.

In the span of five minutes, Hannah Steele and Carly Jensen each splashed in a pair of 3-balls, while Morgan Mathison and Amber Ramlo also connected and the Jimmies were back up 59-46. They didn't slow down much from there en route to their 25th win in 30 games, leading by as many as 23 (78-55).

"We never wavered. Give Ashford credit. They made a big-time push, but we didn't have any panic or get frantic," Ulland said. "We try to have one of those runs every half. It was nice on both ends, really. We hit shots and made stops. That's what it takes."

Carly Jensen led the Jimmies with 15 points. Steele and Bridget Schuneman had 12 and Mathison 11.

The Jimmies will meet Valley City State for the A.I.I. tournament title on Sunday at 2 p.m.

"Should be a lot of fun. They're playing really well. It should be an exciting game," Ulland said.

Tags: sports, updates, jimmies, basketball