Contact: Emily Adlfinger, Director of Athletic Communications, 563-588-7970

GREENCASTLE, Ind. (Mar. 6, 2020) – A momentum shift going into the second half helped the No. 13-ranked Loras College women's basketball team (24-4) make history on Friday evening as the Duahwks defeated the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (19-8) 68-52 in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketballl Tournament to advance to the second round game for the first time in program history.

The Duhawks took a 12-9 lead with 3:34 remaining in the first quarter after five points from Kari Fitzpatrick, four points from Marissa Schroeder, and a three-pointer by Riley Eckhart and Loras ended the first ten minutes of play ahead 19-17. The Eagles rallied back in the second quarter as a big defensive play for La Crosse gave them three possession attempts to tie the score 25-25 and the Eagles continued to hold the momentum, taking the lead 33-28 with 1:19 remaining in the half off two made jump shots by Emma Gamoke. But the Duhawks were ready to fight through every moment and were not going down easy. A three pointer in the final seconds of the half by Riley Eckhart gave Loras the 34-33 edge going into the locker room and energized the team and fans.

"We took better care of the ball in the second half," said head coach Justin Heinzen. "We played a physical game and limited our turnovers. [La Crosse] settled in to their offense and made those tough shots. We knew they were good coming in and knew they were not going to fade away with that type of offense."

La Crosse's leading scorer Dani Craig hit a three pointer in the opening minute of the half to take the lead until Macenzie Kraemer hit a layup and tied the game 38-38 with 5:13 left in the quarter. It was the spark Loras needed as the Duhawks began to pull away with free throws by Madison Haslow and Schroeder to take a 45-38 lead with 2:19 on the clock. The Eagles scored a layup to halt the run, but Loras closed out the quarter with a three-pointer by Eckhart and a layup by Courtney Schnoor with five seconds on the clock.

Ahead 52-40 going into the final ten minutes, the Duhawks were not going to let up, extending the lead 58-40 with 6:26 left to play. The Eagles tried to mount a comeback, scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter, but the Duhawks had established a lead far too great to overcome and came away with the program's first NCAA Division III tournament win.

"Coach always stresses physicality and getting in for the rebounds, so we make that a focus every game," said junior forward Schroeder. "From the start, I made sure I was getting open and making those cuts to help set my teammates up. We played a fast game and upped the speed and physicality tonight."

Schroeder led all players with 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Schnoor tallied 14 points and Fitzpatrick scored 11 points. Schroeder went 6-6 from the free-throw line and she and Kraemer tallied four steals. Kraemer also led the team with five assists.

"All around, everyone on our team was making the important shots and crashing in for the rebounds," said senior guard Kraemer. "This win is important to us. It's the first time this has happened and we're excited for it."

Loras advances to the second round and will face the winner of the No. 4 DePauw and Webster College matchup on Saturday, Mar. 7 at 7 P.M. (ET).