JEFFERSON CITY —On March 23, the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Jennies basketball team took first place in the NCAA Division II women’s basketball tournament after defeating the Ashland University Eagles, by a final score of 66-52. This marks the university’s second NCAA Division II title in women’s basketball. The tournament took place at The Sanford Pentagon, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“Congratulations to the University of Central Missouri Jennies for becoming the 2018 NCAA Division II champions. UCM is in the heart of the 21st Senatorial District and I am extremely proud to recognize these outstanding athletes for their hard work this season,” said Sen. Hoskins. “This team’s dedication to defense, their grit and ability to never quit propelled them during their historic season. No other team is more deserving to hold the championship title.”
The Jennies basketball team finished the year with a 30-3 record and an 18-1 record in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Their win in the championship game brought to an end the Division II record 73-game winning streak by the Ashland Eagles of Ashland, Ohio.
Paige Redmond finished the year as a First Team All-American, Elite Eight Tournament MVP and MIAA Player of the Year. In addition, Kayonna Lee was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Year; Morgan Fleming, Megan Skaggs and Kelsey Williams were each named All-MIAA players; Dave Slifer was named MIAA Coach of the Year and WBCA Central Region Coach of the Year; and Kelsey Williams was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District Team.
For information about Sen. Hoskins please visit his official Missouri Senate website at https://www.senate.mo.gov/mem21/.
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