OLATHE, Kan. - The Olivet Nazarene University Women's Basketball team saw their historic season come to an end Saturday night when they fell to #4 MidAmerica Nazarene 77-63 in Olathe, Kan. 

The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair with the largest lead only being three. Kalli Papenfuss opened the scoring for the Tigers hitting a 3pt shot in transition. Olivia Dirkse also contributed a few baskets to help steady the Tigers offensive approach. The Pioneers took a three point lead heading into the final seconds of the quarter when Elisabeth Good made a big three as time expired in the quarter tying the game at 21-21. 

Tigerball quickly jumped out in the second quarter gaining their largest lead of the game after Caroline Sikkink scored to make it 27-23 with 7:47 remaining in the quarter. However, the Pioneers responded well. After a few baskets exchanged by both teams, the Pioneers closed the half on a 13-2 run to take a 42-35 lead into the halftime break.

Olivet started the third quarter strong showcasing their typical defensive intensity. After a few baskets by Calee Biedron and Lindsey Nell, the Tigers cut the Pioneers lead to only four with 4:25 remaining in the third. However, the Pioneers continued to have an answer closing out the quarter on another large run to extend their lead to its largest of the game 58-43. 

As shown all season long, Tigerball did not quit in the closing quarter. Jayden Flagg opened the quarter with a three to trim the deficit. After a relatively quiet game, Sikkink took over in the fourth, scoring 11 of her 16, including three 3pt buckets. The Tigers press was much improved as they turned the Pioneers over multiple times. Despite their efforts, MidAmerica Nazarene came away with a 77-63 victory advancing them to Sioux City, IA. 

The Tigers were led by Sikkink's 16 points and 5 rebounds. Nell contributed 12 points and 3 rebounds. While Biedron scored 10 and added 7 assists.

Tigerball finished the season with an incredible 26-7 record, the best since the 2015-16 season. They were the first team in program history to win the CCAC Regular Season Championship, Tournament Championship, and advance in the NAIA National Tournament. 

--ONU--