Jimmies roll in opener: JC ties school wins record, advances to Sweet 16

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The Jimmie women put themselves back into the Sweet 16 and now a big test awaits.

Jamestown College, ranked 12th in the country, never trailed in Thursday’s 70-54 win over Menlo College of California in opening-round action at the NAIA national tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.

It was just the fourth loss of the season for the Oaks, who were worn down by the deeper and more physical Jimmies, who tied the school record for wins at 27.

“I thought the girls came out and took care of business,” JC coach Greg Ulland said. “To hold a team like that to 54 points, that’s pretty impressive in my mind.”

Up next for the Jimmies (27-5) is Eastern Oregon (32-2) today at 1:45 p.m. The Mountaineers routed Southwestern (Kan.) by 32 points on Thursday and have not lost since Nov. 23 — a winning streak of 26 games.

“They are very good. But when you get down to the final 16 teams, they’re all good,” Ulland said. “We have to be who we are and we can’t afford an off night.”

It will almost certainly be tougher today.

The Jimmies led from the top against Menlo leading by nine in the first half and then building an 18-point bulge midway through the second half.

They were especially sound defensively. Menlo leading scorer Jolise Limcaco was held to six points. She averages 17.

“Defensively we’ve been really solid here lately. We made it hard for them. I thought it was a really nice effort,” Ulland said.

The Jimmies’ depth also was key particularly inside as Bridget Schuneman, Amber Ramlo, Kayla Roemmich and Megan Pold combined for 40 points and 21 rebounds. Schuneman had 19 points in just 15 minutes. Roemmich added 10 off the bench. Ramlo yanked down 14 boards.

“Our posts were phenomenal in both halves,” Ulland said.

Eleven of the 12 Jimmies dressed scored. Hannah Steele, Maggie Seter and Chelsey Frydenlund each had four assists.

“We threw waves (of players) at them,” Ulland said. “That’s our plan. Hopefully it pays off for us again (today).”

The Jimmies have never advanced past the Sweet 16, but a win today would earn them a spot in the Elite 8 on Saturday.

“It’s a great opportunity to play another big-time team,” Ulland said. “That’s what this tournament is all about.”

NAIA National Tournament

At Sioux City, Iowa

Opening round

Jamestown College 70, Menlo College 54

Jamestown College 37 33 — 70

Menlo College 29 25 — 54

Jamestown College — Amber Ramlo 6, Bridget Schuneman 19, Hannah Steele 9, Carly Jensen 4, Morgan Mathison 2, Kadie Savage 6, Maggie Seter 4, Jordan Bridges 3, Jessica Buck 2, Kayla Roemmich 10, Megan Pold 5. Totals: 25-56 FG, Three-pointers: 4-8 (Savage 2, Seter, Bridges), 16-21 FT, 42 Rebounds (Ramlo 14), 13 Fouls, 14 Assists (Seter 4, Chelsey Frydenlund 4, Steele 4), 17 Turnovers, 4 Blocked shots (Ramlo 2), 5 Steals (5 with 1).

Menlo College — Amber Lane 2, Jolise Limcaco 6, Lauren Adamek 21, Laurel Donnenwirth 8, Sareen Ohanian 8, Vanessa D’Amico 3, Carly Tristao 6. Totals: 23-66 FG, Three-pointers: 1-7 (D’Amico), 7-13 FT, 37 Rebounds (Donnenwirth 11), 20 Fouls, 8 Assists (3 with 2), 10 Turnovers, 3 Blocked shots (Adamek 2), 7 Steals (Adamek 7).

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at dselvig@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, jimmies, basketball