SIOUX CITY, Iowa—Following an historic win Thursday morning, the Fire women's basketball team returns to action Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Round of 16.
The Fire came away with an 87-58 victory over Valley City State for the first NAIA Division II National Championship Tournament win in program and Sun Conference history. Five different players were in double figures, led by senior
Sarah Green's 15 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
The Fire held Valley City State to 37% from the field, and outrebounded the Vikings by 21, who were making their third appearance.
The second round opponent is no stranger to the tournament. Northwestern College is making its 15
th appearance with a 47-9 record. The Red Raiders have won five national titles, and have an additional runner-up finish.
Northwestern defeated 2016 national runner-up Southern Oregon 83-68 to make the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014.
Sophomore leading scorer Kassidy De Jong posted a game-high 29 points, and grabbed eight rebounds in the victory over Southern Oregon. Despite committing 22 turnovers, the Red Raiders were efficient when they got shots up, sinking 57% of their field goal attempts. Northwestern finished fourth in NAIA Division II in field goal shooting at 46%.
Renee Maneman had six assists in Thursday's win, and enters Friday's game as the nation's leader with 226 total assists, averaging 7.5 per game.
Tip-off is at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with the winner advancing to Saturday's quarterfinal round.
