EAU CLAIRE, Wisc. -- For the first time in program history, the North Central University (NCU) entered the NCAA DIII National Tournament with a first round matchup against Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) opponent, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (UWEC). A slow first quarter let the Blugolds jump to an early lead and despite their best efforts late in the game, the Rams were unable to get the victory with a final score of 61-46.

Game Recap

NCU got the first bucket of the game from a made three point basket from Emily DiGiorgio (Ironwood, MI, Luther L. Wright High School). Then the Rams forced a turnover and a foul on the Blugolds, starting off the first minute of their first NCAA tournament appearance strong. UWEC quickly regrouped, and to NCU's dismay, the Blugolds opened up on the offensive end of the floor to gain a large first quarter lead. The momentum hung in UWEC's direction for the start of the second quarter, but after a fastbreak and-one layup from Bethany Shield (Lincoln, NE, Lincoln Southwest High School), the Rams got back on track to close the point gap. Joelle Talso's (Ramsey, MN, Spring Lake Park High School) eight second quarter points aided in NCU's energy surge as the Rams went into halftime down 18-32, but scoring the last baskets.

The third quarter saw NCU and UWEC exchanging buckets, the Blugolds looking to slow it down and the Rams looking to pick up the tempo. NCU was able to do that, grabbing seven fast break points and 14 off of UWEC's turnovers. DiGiorgio took over in the second half, going to work down in the paint against the tall and physical Blugolds. Aubrey Robinson (Colorado Springs, CO, Sierra High School) brought back some life to the Ram's defense and turned it into offense as well. A DiGiorgio layup got NCU within nine points of UWEC with four and a half minutes to go in the competition. As the clock ticked down, the Blugolds were always just out of reach for the Rams, sealing the victory at the buzzer, 61-46.

NCU women's basketball team ends their season at 24-5, a program record. Furthermore, the Rams won their first ever UMAC Tournament Championship and secured a spot in the NCAA DIII National Tournament for the first time ever in program history.

Key Performers

• Shooting two of three from the three point line, Emily DiGiorgio scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
• Aubrey Robinson added in eight points and five rebounds.
• Joelle Talso shot 50% from the field scoring seven points.

Looking Ahead

The Rams end their historic season as they head into the off-season and get ready for the coming fall. All fans are encouraged to tune into official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages for updates on the women's basketball team and much more information.