Lady Bobcats celebrate their Conference Championship with fans
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Lady Bobcats handled a tough Northwood opponent Saturday in the Sun Conference Tournament Championship game, winning 65-60. STU improves to 21-8 on the season and will represent the Sun Conference in the 2010 State Farm-NAIA D-II Women's Basketball Tournament.
The game jumped out to a quick start with 7 ties and 5 lead changes in the first half. The Bobcats rallied with an 8-0 run down the stretch after being tied 22 all with 6:35 remaining before the break. STU took a 33-26 lead heading into the locker room.
The Bobcats expanded their lead to 16 in the second half and fended off several Northwood attacks in the home stretch. The Seahawks brought the lead down to 4 with 1 minute remaining but Cindy Castrillon hit clutch free-throws down the stretch to close out the game. The Bobcats won 65-60 and cut the nets down for the first time in St. Thomas Women's Basketball's short history.
Alex Vanterpool led the game in scoring with 23 but Castrillon continued her strong play and put up 18 with 11-of-12 from the charity stripe. Carissa Staiano added 11 points off the bench while Nicky Montina was bothered with foul trouble.
Castrillon was named MVP of the tournament, averaging 15.67 ppg in 3 games. The Bobcats will go to Sioux City, Iowa for the NAIA D-II Tournament from March 10-17.