March 6, 2004

Women’s Basketball Reaches RMAC Finals

Big Second Half Propels Lopers

            Kearney, Neb. – Thanks to a strong defensive effort in the second half, the Nebraska-Kearney women’s basketball team has advanced to the RMAC Tournament finals for the sixth straight year. This morning in Colorado Springs, the Lopers out scored Regis 24-8 over the first 13 minutes of the second half to beat the Rangers, 62-55.

            With the win, UNK (24-5) improves its all-time RMAC tourney record to 23-4. The Lopers are 5-2 in title games with the losses happening in 2002 and 2003. Regis, which had beaten UNK in three of the last four meetings between the two, ends the year at 20-9.

            UNK trailed for all but one minute in the first half as the Lopers shot just 34 percent from the field. After a three point play by Keely O’Dell at the four minute mark, the Rangers had its biggest lead of the game at 29-21.

            The Lopers managed to trail by just two at the break, 30-28, and then turned to its press to dominate the second half. The Rangers first turnover of the second half led to a three pointer by senior Heather Steffen, which gave UNK the lead back at 35-34.

            The blue and gold would only build on its lead from there as Regis tallied just four points over the next 10 minutes. By the 6:40 mark, UNK held a 52-38 advantage and the Rangers didn’t get closer than seven points the rest of the game.

            In the final 20 minutes, Regis had 12 turnovers and was 9 of 30 from the field (30.0) with four of its made shots coming in the last 1:30 when the game was already decided.

            Steffen led UNK with 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting from the field, including a 2 of 4 effort from the three point line. She also grabbed nine rebounds, had four steals and three assists in a team-high 37 minutes.

            The former West Point Catholic star will need just three rebounds tomorrow to become the Lopers all-time leader in the category, surpassing Ginger Keller (894). 

            Sophomore center Kalee Modlin (Knoxville, Ia.) saw her strong of 20-point games end at six but she did manage 12 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes. Also, junior guards Amber Whitlock (Stoneham, Colo.) and Taryn Ninemire (Fairfield) each scored nine points. 

            Regis had three in double figures with Kristina Vengryte leading the way with 14 points.

            UNK will play either Fort Lewis or Colorado State-Pueblo tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. CST.