Lady Bearcats Fall to Rio in Championship Game

RIO GRANDE, Oh. – The Brescia University women's basketball team fell on the road in the River States Conference Championship game to defending champions, Rio Grande, 83-64. The Lady Bearcats record runs to 24-7 after the matchup against the #8 team in the nation. BU will look forward to the NAIA National Tournament after making their first appearance in 18-years.

In this battle of the remaining one seeds, the Bearcats looked to avenge their loss against the Redstorm earlier in the season. Brooklyn Stewart and Caroline Lucas each opened the scoring for BU in the opening quarter. Each team missed their fair share of baskets as both defenses played pivotal roles. Back-to-back layups by Hailee Johnson earned a five-point lead for BU. Turnovers plagued the Bearcats in the second quarter as the Redstorm outscored BU 24-13. Shelbie Beatty and Cassidy Morris were the only two Bearcats to score as they contributed 11 of the 13 points. Rio had no trouble shooting from the floor as they shot 61% from the field in the frame before the break.

The Bearcats had their work cut out for them as they faced a 10-point deficit to open the third quarter. Stewart, who had just two points in the first half, scored on the Bearcat's first three possessions to cut the lead to seven. Despite the surge in effort in the third, Rio Grande still maintained a double-digit lead over the Bearcats heading into the final quarter of the title game. BU slowly ran out of steam in the final installment shooting 41% from the floor. Rio held their pace as they take the conference title for the fifth straight year.

Hailee Johnson and Brooklyn Stewart were the only two Bearcats in double digit points with 17 and 13 points respectively. Johnson also added seven boards to her stat line.

Up next, the Bearcats will eagerly await their placement in the NAIA Tournament during the selection show this Thursday at 7pm.