Ankeny, Iowa-- The North Central University Women's Basketball team advanced to the National Christian College North Central Region Championship game after defeating Providence University College 61-34 Friday afternoon.

The Rams (10-15) used a strong defensive effort to beat Providence (Manitoba, Canada) while overpowering the Pilots (7-17) in the rebounding battle, 49-30.

North Central took a 26-8 lead into the halftime break and never looked back as they cruised to a 27-point victory in the Region Semi-Finals.

The Rams were led by sophomore Jamie High (Buffalo, Minn./ Buffalo) who scored a team-high 18 points and a season-high 18 rebounds while recording four steals. Senior point guard Julia Skeesick (Victoria, Minn./ Chaska) scored 15 points in the game while recording five boards and three assists. 

Senior Emily Aleckson (Braham, Minn./ Cambridge Christian) tallied eight points in the contest while pullling in seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Shelby Norman (Winsted, Minn./ Watertown-Mayer) added nine points in the win.

Senior Jorie Grenell (Lakeville, Minn./ Spring Lake Park) was named the North Central Region Most Valuable Player before the game and she scored seven points in the Rams win on Friday.

North Central will face the winner of the Trinity Bible College (Ellendale, ND) vs. Faith Baptist Bible College (Ankeny, Iowa) game at 1p.m. on Saturday afternoon for the Region Championship and a trip to the NCCAA National Tournament.