Lee University’s Hollie German drives against Westmont of California Tuesday during the NAIA Division I tournament championship game in Frankfort, Ky.
Contributed photo by Marvin YoungFRANKFORT, Ky. — Lee University women’s basketball coach Marty Rowe said his team wanted to make sure its last season in the NAIA was memorable. In totals wins and overall success, the Lady Flames did just that.
Yet that one ultimate goal — a national championship — escaped them.
Westmont, out of California, used the play of two 6-foot-2 posts to defeat the Lady Flames 71-65 in the NAIA Division I national championship game Tuesday at the Kentucky Civic Center. Kelsie Sampson and Tugce Canitez each scored 25 points and Canitez added 20 rebounds, including eight offensive.
She was named the NAIA national player of the year afterward.
The Lady Warriors (30-4) had a big 13-2 run late in the second half, breaking a 55-all tie. Lee battled back, cutting the lead to 68-65 after 3-pointers by Jenna Adams and Hollie German, but after a free throw by Canitez, Westmont’s Larissa Hensley grabbed a deflection and passed to Canitez for the clinching layup.