First national title for the Ladyjays

Minnesota West claimed the 2024 NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship title on Saturday at the Rochester Regional Sports Center. Last year, Rochester (MN) defeated Minnesota West to earn the 2023 NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship title. In a rematch of the 2023 title game, the No. 1 Ladyjays got their revenge and defeated two-seed Rochester (MN) 76-60 to win the 2024 NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Championship. Minnesota West concluded the season with a 26-7 record and a 12-game win streak. This was the first national title in program history for Minnesota West Women’s Basketball. Minnesota West entered the national tournament with a first-round bye before putting up 37 points on Prince George’s in the quarterfinals. The Ladyjays then defeated Northland 68-55 to advance to the national title game. Minnesota West had 76 points, 30 rebounds, 17 assists, 8 steals, and 3 blocks to earn their first national title in program history. Two-seed Rochester opened up the national tournament with a bye in the first round. The reigning national champions started off with a bang in a 20-point win over Jefferson (NY). The Yellowjackets flew through the semifinals with a 65-48 win over Dallas-Cedar Valley but fell short in the title game to Minnesota West. The Yellowjackets closed out the season with a 23-5 record and their fifth trip to the national tournament. Northland (MN) entered the national tournament as the No. 5 seed. The Pioneers opened the tournament with a 84-49 win over Nassau in the first round and a 54-53 win over Anoka-Ramsey in the Quarterfinals. No.1 seed Minnesota West defeated Northland in the Semifinals to send the Pioneers to the consolation bracket. The Pioneers defeated Dallas-Cedar Valley 79-64 in their final game in Rochester to earn third place at the 2024 NJCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Championship. Northland finished the season with a record of 25-6. Rosalie Hayenga-Hostikka, Minnesota West head coach, was named the Coach of the Tournament. Head Coach Shannon Nelson and the Northland Pioneers were awarded the Rosmarie Battaglia Sportsmanship Award. Minnesota West’s Olivia Hayenga (5'10''-G) was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2024 NJCAA DIII Women’s Basketball Championship. The guard had 58 points, 32 rebounds, and 12 assists, throughout the national tournament. Ten student-athletes from five participating teams earned All-Tournament honors. Anoka-Ramsey, Northland, Dallas-Cedar Valley, Minnesota West, and Rochester (MN) each had at least one player recognized.
Courtesy of: njcaa.org