WHITEWATER, WI – The Principia College women's basketball team completed their incredible 2024-25 season by playing in the NCAA Division III tournament for the first time in program history on Friday.
After their historic conference championship run, the Panthers traveled up to Wisconsin to face the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the first round. Whitewater is a very skilled team who won the postseason tournament in one of the strongest DIII conferences in the country – the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Principia women had their hands full from the start as the Warhawks dominated the first half and went into the break with a commanding 49-17 lead.
The Panthers were a second half team all season and showed that again on Friday by playing much better in the final two quarters. Principia showed great resolve and resilience as they outscored the Warhawks by 10 in the second half fighting all the way to the final whistle. The Warhawks would eventually win by a final score of 75-53 and advance to the next round to face conference foe Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Just like she did throughout the SLIAC tournament, Trinniti Matthews continued her excellent postseason play as she led Principia with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Hannah Myers hit three three-pointers in the game and finished with 11 points. Lamiya Terrell tallied four more steals to cement her program record of 102 on the season – good enough for fourth all-time in SLIAC history.
"I'm so proud of this team, who they are every day, and all the incredible things they've accomplished," said Athletics Director, Ann Pierson. "I'm also exceptionally proud of their coach and his staff. Coach Ramiro has proven to be an effective leader, and this season is a testament to the belief bestowed in that locker room."
With all five of the team's starters returning for their senior year next season, we can't wait to watch this group compete for another conference championship in 2026!
