March 8, 2006

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Tabor College was perfect from the charity stripe down the stretch as they defeated Easter Oregon University, 65-58, in Wednesday's first round game of the 15^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Blue Jays of Tabor used an 11-1 run in the final 2:57 of the first half to take a 12-point lead into the locker room at intermission, 38-26. Tabor shot 46.2 percent from the field in the first half compared to 31.4 percent for the Mountainers.

Eastern Oregon was able to pull even thanks in part to 9-0 run midway through the second half. Tabor had a one-point advantage, 59-58, with 3:03 remaining in the game. Neither team scored again until the 53 second mark when Tabor hit a free throw. It was the first of six free throws the Blue Jays to close out the game.

Eastern Oregon had three players in double figures, two with double-doubles. Adria Layne finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Sheena Henderson had 12 points and 11 boards. Andra Peterson added 10 points.

Erica Hemmert was 5 of 10 from the field and 5 of 6 to lead the Blue Jays with 16 points. Stacie Herman chipped in with 14-points, while Donya Anderson added a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds).

This is the second consecutive year that Tabor has picked up a first round win at the tournament.

Tabor will play Dakota State in a second round match-up on Friday morning at 8:30 a.m.

For more information on the Division II Women's Basketball National Championship log on to www.naia.org.

Box Score