WIEDERIN LEADS HAWKS WITH 21 POINTS IN CLASSIC PLAYOFF SHOWDOWN SATURDAY

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College women's basketball team hosted a Region 11-A Tournament Semifinal game Saturday afternoon at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk against Des Moines Area Community College. The Hawks were victorious in the playoff contest by a final score of 62-58 to advance to the Region 11-A Championship on Monday against No. 1 Kirkwood Community College.

Northeast (21-8, 12-6 ICCAC) had topped the visiting Bears twice in their matchups during the regular season, but DMACC certainly gave the Hawks everything they could handle as there were 14 lead changes in the showdown. Northeast was effective from three throughout the afternoon as they shot 42.1% from the 3-point line. Mia Wiederin (Norfolk, Neb.) led the way in scoring for the game as the sophomore put in 21 points, including two crucial free throws to extend the Hawks lead to three with under a minute remaining in the ballgame.

With the win, Northeast now has the chance to compete for a trophy in the Region 11-A Tournament Championship against No. 1 Kirkwood Community College at 5:30 p.m. Monday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Hawks will be the third athletic program at Northeast to battle in a Region 11 title game this year, joining both the men's soccer and volleyball programs.

STAT SHEET:

Mia Wiederin (Norfolk, Neb.): 21 PTS, 4 AST, 3 STL, BLK

Aaliyah Jones (Rapid City, S.D.): 20 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST

Merel Braakhuis (Manderveen, Netherlands): 8 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Head Women's Basketball Coach Matt Svehla on the thriller against DMACC:

"There were eight lead changes in the fourth quarter alone," Svehla said. "It was back and forth. Close battle with evenly matched teams. I was very proud of how we got the stops at the end when we needed them. Great win. Anytime you are playing these top teams in our region, you have to play well. A lot of girls logged a lot of great minutes."

Svehla on battling for a trophy on Monday:

"Now it's off to Kirkwood," Svehla said. "We're excited. We're playing in a regional championship game against a very good team. We are looking forward to the opportunity!"

UP NEXT:

The Hawks will compete in the Region 11-A Tournament Championship at 5:30 p.m. Monday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa against No. 1 Kirkwood Community College.

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