Iowa Western Women take regional crown

Article courtesy of The Daily Nonpareil and photos courtesy of Don Kohler.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - Iowa Western coach Lindsey Vande Hoef said rebounding would be a key to her team's chances in Saturday's Region XI women's basketball championship game.

She was right.

A 29-13 edge on the boards and double-doubles from post players Kiara Dallmann and Aubriana Noti keyed a 74-56 win over Northeast (Neb.) at Reiver Arena.

"We had 10 days to get ready. The players said it was too long, but it was an extra opportunity for the coaches," said Vande Hoef, whose team has won 15 of its last 16 games. "We needed to outrebound them, and post play was an advantage that we had."

Northeast led by two after the first period, but IWCC went on a 12-4 run to start the second quarter. Northeast then cut the lead to four, but Sommer Blakemore and Zhan'e Williams hit 3-pointers to help stretch the lead to 11 at the break.

The Reivers' lead was 7 to 10 points until De'Ayra Davis made a three-point play with 9:01 left to put them up 55-43. Northeast never got closer than 10 after that. 

The Reivers will play Friday, March 8th, in the District K Championship game against Three Rivers. The game will take place in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m.