National News

 March 9, 2009

PLYMOUTH - The Kalamazoo Valley Community College women's basketball team punched their ticket to the NJCAA National Finals with a 60-53 victory over Grand Rapids Community College on Saturday at the LifePlex.

Post players Dee Dee Closson and Caitlin Krull each scored 11 points for Kalamazoo (25-6), who will resume their quest for the national title on March 18 at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL.

"I couldn't be more proud of this team," said Cougars coach Ron Welch, who received District G Coach of the Year honors after the game. "I thought we could do this, but I had reservations. As a coach, you're always aware of your team's weaknesses, so you're always going to have reservations."

Those reservations were eased by a stifling defense that surrendered under 47 points per game on average throughout the tournament.

Grand Rapids (22-7) received 14 points from Debbie Nikodemski, while Jillian Bowman and Brittany Bueche had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

"The best team won today," said Grand Rapids coach Kelly McEwen. "It always does. They made some shots that, in a close game like that, really turns the momentum. They played a great game."

In the semi-finals, Kalamazoo Valley had to fight past a scrappy Muskegon side 47-42 on the strength of Ja'Nee Morton's 15 points. Muskegon's Santrea Bush had 12 points in the losing effort.

Grand Rapids didn't have nearly as difficult of a time in their semi-final matchup, easing past a short-handed Lake Michigan College 80-58. Brittany Bueche hit seven three-pointers on her way to a 23-point effort in the win. Lake Michigan, who played without injured starter Carlicia Gadson, was led by Katy Stuppy with 18 points.

Kalamazoo Valley placed three players on the all-tournament team, including Tournament MVP Ericka King, Jeannie Closson, and Caitlin Krull. Joining them were Jillian Bowman and Brittany Bueche (Grand Rapids) and Tyeacia Warren (Lake Michigan).

Ancilla College was the host for the tournament and will host again in 2010.

According to Ancilla Athletic Director Gene Reese, the event was nothing short of a success.

"Being our first attempt at hosting a National Junior College Athletic Association tournament, (women's basketball coach) Dave Liverance and I were very pleased at how smoothly the tournament ran," said Reese. "We had great teams, great fans and great excitement. Next year will be even better."

Ancilla College is a Catholic, two-year, co-educational, liberal arts college in Donaldson, Indiana sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.