SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Senior Emma Mahady scored a game-high 24 points, including the game-sealing layup in the closing seconds of overtime, as California (Pa.) earned an 84-79 win against Nova Southeastern in the Elite Eight on Tuesday afternoon at the Sanford Pentagon.
With the victory, California (Pa.) improves to 30-4 overall and will face the winner the of West Texas A&M-Emporia State in the national semifinals on Wednesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, No. 18 Nova Southeastern closes the year with a 27-6 overall record after advancing to the Elite Eight for the third consecutive season.Mahady, who finished just two points shy of matching her career high, posted 24 points after shooting 10 of 18 from the floor, including 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. She also collected five rebounds, three blocks and two steals while playing all 45 minutes on Tuesday. Mahady posted her second 20-point game of the post-season, as she previously scored 21 points against West Chester in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship on March 8.
Fellow senior Kaitlynn Fratz added 21 points in the victory, making 5 of 12 attempts from the field and 9 of 11 from the free-throw line. She tallied four rebounds, two assists and four assists, while also playing all 45 minutes against the Sharks. Sophomore guard Miki Glenn finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, while senior forwardIrina Kukolj posted 14 points and eight rebounds in the victory.
