CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The William Carey Women's Basketball Team advanced to the 2^nd Round of the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship with a 71-64 victory over Williams Baptist University Friday afternoon.
 
Both teams came ready to play, as the game was tied eight times and there were 19 lead changes.  The game went back and forth at the start with the largest lead of four points being held by the Eagles on two different occasions.
 
However, the Lady Crusaders answered each time eventually taking a 22-20 lead into the second quarter.  The Lead would be short lived, as WBU opened the second on a 6-0 run retake the lead at 28-22.  Carey once again answered and would take a 33-30 lead on three pointer by Shaneal Corpuz with four minutes remaining.  However, Williams Baptist countered with a 10-2 run to take a 40-35 lead into the break.
 
WCU came out of the break and quickly erased the deficit behind six straight points from Lauren Rowley, Rose Warren, and Kolten Blakeney to retake the lead 41-40.  From there both teams went back and forth eventually leading to a tie at 53 all heading into the final quarter of play.
 
The battle would continue well into the fourth quarter.  With the game tied at 64 all with under two minutes to play, Rowley would drain a three point basket to give the Lady Crusaders the lead for good.  The Carey defense would hold strong over the final minutes of play holding the Eagles without a field goal and forcing two turnovers.
 
Kolten Blakeney led the offense finishing with 22 points and season high and career high at WCU 18 rebounds.  Shaneal Corpuz added 19 points with Rose Warren finishing with 14 points.
 
Carey is back in action tomorrow, Saturday, March 16, as they take on #1 seed Campbellsville.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 pm.