Christ College Irvine to Make NAIA Tournament Debut

Christ College Irvine, a 4-23 team last season, makes its first appearance in the National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics District 3 women’s basketball tournament at 6 tonight against Fresno Pacific at Biola College in La Mirada.

The winner advances to Thursday’s district title game against either Biola or top-seeded Point Loma Nazarene, which play at 8 tonight at Biola. The district champion advances to the NAIA national tournament in Jackson, Tenn.

Fresno Pacific (15-12) defeated CCI, 73-63, at Fresno last week. Christ College Irvine (21-6) defeated Fresno, 64-55, at Irvine earlier in the season. The teams finished in a tie for second place in the Golden State Athletic Conference.

The Eagles are led by freshman center Gitte Mejer, a first-team, all-district selection who averages 13 points and 7 rebounds. Sophomore guards Genevieve Graff and Stacy Kirch were also first-team selections.

Karen Murray, Fresno Pacific’s only first-team selection, averages 16 points.