Notables

Only one undefeated team will head to the national semifinals in Holland, Mich. and it is No. 3 George Fox.

The Bruins improved to 30-0 with an outstanding defensive performance in shutting down No. 2 Hope, 58-46. George Fox’s zone defense held the Flying Dutch to 22 percent shooting including six for 44 in the second half (14 percent). Senior Kristen Shielee blocked 10 shots including several in the final five minutes. Freshmen guards Keisha Gordon (20 points) and Sage Indendi (14 points, five assists) carried the loan offensively.

“It’s phenomenal. In ways it’s doesn’t make sense, what we’ve been able to accomplish this year,” said coach Scott Rueck. The Bruins returned no starters from last year’s team that lost to Hope in the sectional semifinals, one senior in Shielee and 10 freshmen. Carrie Snikkers had 18 points and 13 rebounds for Hope, which was denied a chance to play for a national championship on its own floor next weekend.

No. 6 Washington U. improved to 8-1 in sectional finals with a victory at previously unbeaten No. 1 Illinois Wesleyan, 58-53. The Bears held a 11 point halftime lead but the Titans went on a 17-7 run to pull within one at 38-37. The Titans hung close the rest of the way, but could never tie the game or take the lead. Jill Brandt had six points in the final minute, including four free throws, to ice the game for Washington U. More women's scores.

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A battle of unlikely national quarterfinalists fittingly went to unranked TCNJ who defeated No. 20 Scranton, 54-48. The Lions are the first women's team to enter the tournament unranked and reach the Final Four since Wilmington did it in 2004. TCNJ had only 15 field goal attempts but 24 free throws in the second half. Alexandra Gregorek finished a big weekend with 10 points, seven rebounds and five blocks for the Lions.

The margin of victory was smaller but No. 11 Amherst was no less impressive as the Lord Jeffs defeated No. 25 Brandeis, 65-54. Amherst had won its previous three tournament games by an average of 28 points. After the Judges scored the first basket, Jaclyn Daigneault hit a three to put Amherst in front to stay. Daigneault finished with 21 points and Shannon Finucane added 22 including a 10 for 10 performance from the free throw line.

Washington U. will appear in its eighth Final Four. George Fox, Amherst and TCNJ will appear in their first.