And It Begins: Women’s DII Elite 8 Action at the Pentagon

First round play began Tuesday in the Women’s Division II NCAA Elite Eight at the Sanford Pentagon Center in Sioux Falls.

In the noon game, California of Pennsylvania defeated Nova Southeastern 84 to 79.

In the 2:30 PM game, Emporia State of Kansas defeated returning national runner-up West Texas State 62 to 50.

• DII Women's Coaches Happy to be at the Pentagon for Elite Eight

While the first game was a high scoring affair, the second game was dominated by defense and poor shooting from beyond the arc by both teams in the first half. Emporia State had their off-ball screen setting offense working early in the first half, then at the end of the first half West Texas A & M went on a small run, with a couple of steals and layups.

After closing the gap to 34 to 30 midway through the second half, the ESU Lady Hornets had a one minute or so offensive series at the 9:00 mark of missed or blocked shots but won the 50/50 balls and offensive glass.

The taller Lady Hornets won the rebounding battle over the WTAMU Lady Buffs, 46 to 28. Emporia's Merissa Quick led all scorers with 17 points. Chontiquah White led West Texas with 10 points. Emporia's Kathryn Flott grabbed 13 rebounds.

Attendance for the second game was 1,110.

In the evening tilts, California Baptist plays New Haven from Connecticut at 6 PM and Limestone from South Carolina plays Lewis from Illinois at 8PM in the last quarterfinal

The semifinal games are at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM Wednesday, with the championship game at 7:00 PM Friday. California plays the winner of the Emporia State v. West Texas A&M game at 6:00 PM Wednesday.