March 3, 2024
Kirkwood Advances to Region 11-A Tournament Final
Cedar Rapids, IA- When postseason play starts Kirkwood women's basketball knows how to kick their game to another level & Saturday's 78-35 victory over Ellsworth was a perfect example.
The Eagles, who improved to 29-2 with the victory, led from start to finish in the NJCAA Region 11-A semi-final contest.
Kirkwood held a 17-6 lead after a quarter of play and stretched their lead to 18 at halftime leading 38-20.
The Eagles turned things up defensively in the third quarter, as they outscored Ellsworth 22-9 in the quarter to take a commanding 60-29 lead into the fourth quarter.
Kirkwood had three players finish in double figures led by sophomore Kaylee Cobin & freshman Jenna Twedt, who both finished with 17 points.
Sophomore Emily Dreckman added 16 points on 4-8 from three-point range.
Two areas the Eagles dominated the game were turnovers & rebounds.
Kirkwood forced Ellsworth into 28 turnovers and capitalized on it with 32 points off those turnovers.
The Eagles also won the battle on the boards 42-29, including 22 offensive rebounds which led to 17 second-chance points.
Kirkwood will host #5 seed Iowa Central on Monday at 5:30 pm in the NJCAA Region 11-A championship game.
