Undefeated George Fox Women Win NCAA Basketball Title

The team is scheduled to return to Portland International Airport Sunday at 11:07 a.m. on Northwest Airlines flight 217 from Minneapolis.

Fans watching the game in an auditorium on campus in Newberg. Photo courtesy: George Fox Athletics

HOLLAND, Mich. - George Fox University completed an undefeated 32-0 season with an NCAA Div. III national title today by defeating Washington University (Mo.) 60-53.

Six-foot-four senior center Kristin Shielee (Gresham HS, Gresham, Ore.) scored six points in the last two minutes and finished with a game-high 17 points and seven rebounds. She was named tournament MVP.

Unlikely Champions

George Fox is the first team from west of the Rocky Mountains to win the NCAA Div. III women's national title. The Bruins started the season with no returning starters and 10 freshmen. They were picked to finish fifth in the Northwest Conference. Instead, they won their sixth conference title in the last nine seasons. By the end of the season, they were ranked No. 2 in the WBCA national poll. Head Coach Scott Rueck was named NCAA Div. III national coach of the year.

Team Returns to Portland

The team is scheduled to return to Portland International Airport Sunday at 11:07 a.m. on Northwest Airlines flight 217 from Minneapolis.

A donor has arranged to provide limousine service from the airport to Newberg for the players and coaches.

More game information is available at georgefox.edu, d3hoops.com or ncaa.com

Editor: Thanks for making sure we know the fans are watching in an auditorium on campus in Newberg.

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