The College of Lake County Women's Basketball team secured a monumental victory on Saturday, defeating Kankakee Community College 75-56 to punch their ticket to the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time in school history.
From the opening tip, the Lancers set the tone, outscoring KCC 15-10 in the first quarter and maintaining their edge throughout the contest. CLC continued to build momentum with a balanced attack, leading 31-25 at halftime before erupting for 44 second-half points to seal the win.
Maren McCallister led the charge with an all-around dominant performance, posting 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals. Mariya Sisco nearly recorded a triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Kennedee Clark added 16 points and 7 boards. Alexandria Wolff made a key impact inside with 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Chloe Sisco contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds. Mia Kaiser rounded out the scoring with 2 points in the historic victory.
Kankakee CC put up a fight in the third quarter, scoring 21 points, but CLC responded with a relentless 24-point fourth quarter to pull away and secure the championship-clinching win.
Coach Morris said "I am incredibly proud of every one of these ladies, they have showed up every day with a great attitude, effort to get better each day and the willingness to stay the course as a team. Adversity never separated these 10 young ladies, they stayed together no matter what and kept pushing themselves towards the goal they set from day, the first ever trip to the NJCAA National Tournament as a women's basketball program in school history. This a memory that they will keep with them for the rest of their lives. WE DID IT and I am so proud of them!"
With this victory, the Lancers make history, qualifying for the NJCAA National Tournament for the first time ever. The team now sets its sights on the national stage, ready to compete against the best in the country.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, and supporters who have been part of this incredible journey!
There will be a Watch Party held on campus for the NJCAA Nationl Tournament Selection Show on Tuesday at 12:00pm. The National Tournament itself will begin March 17th, game dates and times are still TBD.
