SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- No. 6 WVU Tech women's basketball pulled out a first round upset against No. 3 Morningside College during the NAIA DII National Championship to advance to the second round for the first time in program history. The Golden Bears defeated the Mustangs 72-69 after a back-and-forth battle and trailing as they headed into the final quarter.

Junior Whittney Justice led all scorers with 19 points while recording two rebounds, a steal and an assist.

Fellow classmate Brittney Justice poured in 17 points to go with three assists, two rebounds and a steal.

Junior Kathylee Pinnock Branford finished with 12 points, a game-high six assists, four boards and a steal.

Senior Logan Dudley marked a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds and had a block.

Senior Laura Requena pulled down seven boards and had three points and two assists.

Junior Alexandria Gray had seven points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.

As a team, Tech shot 54.2 percent (26-for-48) while the Mustangs were held to just a 37.3 percent (25-for-67) effort from the field. The teams were even under the board at 36 rebounds each.

WVU Tech will next face the winner of No. 2 St. Francis versus No. 7 Southern Oregon on Friday, March 13. The tip is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. (EST).
 

---