LSUS Handles Benedictine, Advances to Face Host Campbellsville

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The LSU Shreveport women's basketball team advanced in the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament with a 76-63 victory over Benedictine College in the First Round on Thursday inside Powell Athletic Center.

With the win, the Pilots improved to 28-4 overall and advance toto the second round of the national tournament.

LSU Shreveport was led by Selma Markisic, who finished with 19 points, two rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Toni Coleman added 11 points and three rebounds, while Katie Ambrose contributed 10 points, three steals, and three assists.

The Pilots also received strong defensive efforts throughout the lineup. Paula Gonzalez Herrero recorded eight rebounds, seven steals, and three blocks, while Amandine L'Etang added three assists, three steals, and four blocks. Ally Fleenor helped facilitate the offense with six rebounds and five assists.

Benedictine was paced by Kelli Storck, who scored 19 points with seven rebounds and three steals. Riley Bruggeman posted 10 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Nicole Storck led the Ravens on the boards with nine rebounds.

Benedictine struck first with a layup from Nicole Storck, but the Pilots responded quickly. After an early back-and-forth start, LSUS began to settle in offensively as Ambrose knocked down a three-pointer and Markisic followed with a triple of her own to spark a run. The Pilots closed the opening quarter on a strong note and took a 16-9 lead into the second period.

LSUS continued to build momentum in the second quarter behind defensive pressure and transition offense. Herrero's activity on defense created several turnovers, while baskets from Coleman, Ambrose, and Elaina Burns helped stretch the advantage. A late three-pointer from Esra Sen pushed the Pilots ahead 34-24 at halftime.

Benedictine made a push early in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just 34-32 following a series of forced turnovers and back-to-back three-pointers. The Pilots answered immediately, however, with Sen and Markisic hitting key shots from beyond the arc. LSUS closed the quarter with a surge, highlighted by a three-pointer from Alyssa Christophe and a late steal-and-score from Ambrose, extending the lead to 56-42 entering the final period.

The Ravens attempted another rally in the fourth quarter, trimming the margin to six midway through the period. LSUS responded with timely defense and clutch scoring down the stretch. Markisic delivered a key three-pointer and converted an and-one opportunity in the closing minutes, while L'Etang added a triple to help seal the victory.

LSU Shreveport shot 40.9 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three-point range, while forcing 26 Benedictine turnovers. The Pilots also received a major boost from their depth, with the bench contributing 30 points.

With the win, LSUS advances to the Second Round of the NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament, where the Pilots will face Campbellsville University on Friday at 3 p.m. inside Powell Athletic Center.