ASHLAND — They’re going to have to make more room in Ashland University’s trophy case.

The undefeated Ashland Eagles took an early lead and never let it go to defeat Trevecca Nazarene University 83-65, earning the women’s basketball team another Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC).

  • 31.JPG

  • Ashland forward Sarah McKee puts up a shot over Trevecca Nazarene’s Emma Palmer during the Great Midwest Athletic Conference championship game at AU’s Kates Gymnasium.

  • 1.JPG
  • 2.JPG
  • 4.JPG
  • 25.JPG
  • 5.JPG
  • 6.JPG
  • 3.JPG
  • 7.JPG
  • 8.JPG
  • 9.JPG
  • 10.JPG
  • 11.JPG
  • 12.JPG
  • 13.JPG
  • 14.JPG
  • 15.JPG
  • 16.JPG
  • 17.JPG
  • 18.JPG
  • 19.JPG
  • 20.JPG
  • 21.JPG
  • 22.JPG
  • 23.JPG
  • 24.JPG
  • 28.JPG
  • 29.JPG
  • 30.JPG
  • 36.JPG
  • 37.JPG
  • 38.JPG

The top-ranked Eagles improved to 31-0 and will go on to face a yet-to-be-determined team in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional tournament.

“It’s been a really, really fun run. I am beyond thankful for the support that we have here at Ashland to make some of those things happen,” head coach Kari Pickens said. 

AU blew out to a 9-0 lead before Trevecca scored 6:38 remaining in the first period, and the Eagles were on their way.

Ashland hit six treys in the second quarter and opened a 42-24 halftime bulge. Despite the team’s commanding lead, Pickens emphasized that the Eagles needed to shore up their rebounding effort in the second half.

“It doesn’t matter how great a defense you play if you can’t finish with the board,” she said.

During Ashland’s final possession with 22 seconds remaining, cheers thundered through the gymnasium as the women’s basketball team secured their second GMAC championship in a row. 

Leading the Eagles were sophomore Morgan Yoder and graduate student Hallie Heidemann, who put up 18 and 16 points, respectively.

“Our team is always looking to get the highest percentage shot. Whatever shot is best for the team, that’s the shot we want to take,” Heidemann said.