DIVISION II WOMEN : Delta State of Mississippi Defeats Cal Poly Pomona

Ever since it was defeated by 30 points in the NCAA Division II title game last year, the Cal Poly Pomona women’s basketball team had been anxiously awaiting a chance for revenge.

But when the Broncos got the opportunity in the semifinals of the Division II tournament Friday night, Delta State had other ideas.

The Lady Statesmen, ranked No. 1, opened a comfortable lead early in the game and trailed only once in a 67-53 victory over second-ranked Pomona before 2,434 at Kellogg Gymnasium in Pomona.

The victory improved Delta State’s record to 31-1 and advanced the Lady Statesmen into tonight’s title game against Bentley of Massachusetts. The Broncos dropped to 28-4 and will play Oakland of Michigan in the third-place game.

With strong inside play, aggressive defense and Liz Wallace’s 15 points, Delta State took a 40-21 lead at halftime.

“We just wanted to come out not too hyped up and not too nervous and we did that,” Delta State forward Crystal Hardy said.

Pomona made a comeback bid in the second half, closing the deficit to 46-41 on a basket by Danielle Carter with 9:32 remaining.

But the Lady Statesmen outscored the Broncos, 7-2, over the next three minutes to rebuild a comfortable lead.

Bentley 72, Oakland 68--Center Stacy Pahl of Bentley could not have picked a better time for her first rebound and point in her team’s semifinal game.

Pahl, who sat out most of the game with foul problems, was fouled on a rebound with 10 seconds remaining. She sank both free throws for a 70-66 lead and the Falcons held on for the victory.

The victory gave Bentley its first berth in the Division II championship game. The Falcons, ranked No. 5, are 31-3. Bentley lost to Cal Poly Pomona, 84-83, in the semifinals last season.

In the first half, Bentley appeared as if it would have an easy time with the 14th-ranked Pioneers. The Falcons opened a 34-15 lead.

But Oakland fought back to lead, 46-45, with 11:29 remaining on a layup by Janice Kosman. The score was close the rest of the way.

Bentley was led by Tracie Seymour with 16 points and Cheryl Boettger with 15. Debbie Delie led Oakland (27-5) with 27.