LADY BULLDOGS WIN
NAIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Jackson, Tenn. —51ÉçÇø toppled four-time defending national champion Southern Nazarene University, beating them 73-70, to win the 18th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship, held at Oman Arena in Jackson, Tenn., March 18-24.
With the win, the Lady Bulldogs earn their first national championship, accomplishing the feat in their ninth trip to the national event and with a roster that featured only freshmen and sophomore players. Union avenged a defeat to Southern Nazarene in last year's championship game and a loss at Southern Nazarene earlier this season.
This was the third time that Lady Bulldog Coach David Blackstock has led Union to the championship game. Blackstock, 478-84 in 16 seasons with the Lady Bulldogs, has the best winning percentage of any active NAIA coach (.850). In addition to the championship trophy awarded to the team, Blackstock was rewarded with his first ever national coach of the year award as well.
Blackstock said he'd take some time to enjoy the victory. "We're looking forward to next year, but right now we're basking in the sunlight of the national championship. It was such a great year," Blackstock said.