March 12, 2010

KATY, Texas - Tournament MVP Darika Hill registered her third double-double of the State Farm Southland Conference Basketball Tournament with 22 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Lamar University women's basketball to an 86-59 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the championship game Friday night.

With the win, Lamar (26-7) earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Jenna Plumley also had a double-double for the Lady Cardinals, finishing with 13 points and 12 rebounds as Lamar won its first-ever Southland Conference championship and earned its second berth in the NCAA Tournament, the first for the Lady Cardinals since 1991. Plumley joined Hill in representing Lamar on the all-tournament team.

Kalis Loyd finished with 18 points and Ashley Crawford tied her career high with 15 points for Lamar, which entered the tournament as the top seed.

"I couldn't be prouder of these young ladies," Lamar coach Larry Tidwell said. "They played like champions, and now they are."

Elisa Beagle had a double-double for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (22-10), finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Deziree Green and Jade Davis added 11 points apiece for the third-seeded Islanders, who were looking for their first-ever Southland Conference title.

Lamar will learn of its first-round opponent in the NCAA Tournament when the seedings are announced at 6 p.m. Monday. Plans are being made for a selection party show with the Lady Cardinals.

LAMAR