Published 2006-03-18T00:00:00Z”/>
Zuri Berry
March 13, 2006
For the first time in Chico State’s history, the Wildcats are going to the Elite Eight of the Division II women’s basketball tournament.
It was also the first time the women’s basketball team got the chance to cut down a net.
Chico State will be representing the West Region in Hot Springs, Ark. The team beat Seattle Pacific 72-63 in Bellingham, Wash., on Monday night to advance to the fourth round of tournament play.
The Wildcats (27-3) have now won 13 straight games and will be playing Henderson State (29-4), which represents the South Region and is the Elite Eight host.
Chico State’s Amber Simmons, who was named West Regional tournament MVP, scored 20 points while tying a season-high with 15 rebounds – eight offensive.
Amy Van Hollebeke scored 15 points for the Wildcats and dished nine assists to lead the team while teammate Lauren Himmelspach came off the bench to record 12 points and drain four free throws in the last 14 seconds to ice the win.
Chico State will play Henderson State 6 p.m. March 22 to determine which team will make it to the Final Four.
Post player Jennifer Borror was also named to the all-tournament team. She had eight points and nine rebounds.
Zuri Berry can be reached at<a href= “mailto:[email protected]”>[email protected]</a>
