The Gannon University women’s basketball team will be moving on to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Friday.

After defeating California (Pa.) 59-47 to claim their second straight PSAC Championship, the Knights are looking to continue their season with the 13th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.

For head coach Cleve Wright, this will be the Knights’ seventh NCAA tournament appearance under his leadership.

The Knights achieved this feat by putting forth a strong defensive performance against the Vulcans, holding them to only four points in the final 10 minutes of the game.

In the final five minutes and 49 seconds, the Vulcans were unable to score any points, thanks to a defense that in its last two games held its opponents to only 47 points in each contest.

The Knights were led by a pair of seasoned veterans, including graduate student Emma Wright, who, in addition to receiving the PSAC Champion Scholar Award prior to the game, was also named tournament MVP on Sunday.

Wright put up 19 points and had a strong overall performance, making five of nine field goals, three of five 3-pointers and went six of seven at the line.

The night was topped with four rebounds on the part of Wright, who also added a spectacular defensive performance.

Sophomore Samantha Pirosko rebounded after a slow start to total 16 points, including 12 rebounds and four assists.

Junior Emily Poling was a major contributor to the victorious outcome, finishing with 13 points while making four out of eight field goals, one 3-pointer and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.

On the whole, the Knights shot 40% from the floor (20 of 40) making five of 14 3-pointers and went 14 of 17 at the line. In addition, the Knights had 13 assists in 20 baskets.

The efforts on the court were also felt in the rebound battle, with Gannon winning the fight 40-32 with 29 defensive boards.

The upcoming Atlantic Regional tournament will be hosted by Glenville State University at the Waco Center and will kick off a fight to join the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, which will be held from Tuesday, March 22 to Friday, March 25.

With the Atlantic Regional this week, the fourth-ranked Knights will face the fifth-ranked Shepherd Rams at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Fans can watch online or tune in on the radio at 90.5 WERG.

MICHAEL GUIDO

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