UC Merced women’s basketball all business at NAIA Championship in Iowa

Most of the inaugural trip to Sioux City, Iowa, is a bit of a blur for the UC Merced women’s basketball team.

The Bobcats experienced big-time college basketball for the first time a year ago. In a baptism by fire, UC Merced faced the No. 1 overall seed in the NAIA Division II Championship and the tournament host, Morningside (Iowa).

Everything was new, fast-paced, played in front of a bigger crowd than they had ever experienced, and it was over before the Bobcats would have liked with a 79-45 first-round exit. Despite the short stay, one memory that stood out for the Merced players was the gift Morningside presented.

In a show of sportsmanship, the teams exchanged gifts before the contest. Junior point guard Courtney Danna said UCM gave a gift basket of almonds and other things that represent the Central Valley. The Mustangs gave the Bobcats a T-shirt that said “No. 1 Morningside” on it.

Merced’s players haven’t forgotten that slight, which will provide extra motivation entering Wednesday’s rematch. The teams meet again in the opening round of the NAIA Division II Championship as No. 8 Merced is again tasked with trying to upset No. 1 Morningside. Tipoff is set for 3:15 p.m.

“I think it’s a very different experience this time because so many of us were here last year,” Danna said. “Last year, there was a little bit of awe factor. Everything was new and exciting.

“This time around, it’s still exciting, but we know what to expect. We met one of our goals winning the conference and getting back here. We have more goals that we still want to achieve, and we’re not just content to be here.”

It’s the classic David vs. Goliath matchup. The Mustangs are 31-2. The Bobcats (11-14) are the only team in the tournament with a losing record but have won seven consecutive games.

Morningside is ranked fourth in the nation offensively with an average of 84 points per game. The attack is led by senior forward Jessica Tietz (15.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game) and junior point guard Lexi Ackerman (12.8 points, 4.7 assists).

“I think it helps that we played against them last year and know what they like to do,” senior guard Shelby Howard said. “They have some pretty talented post players and want to attack inside. We know they’re a little bigger, but we’re quicker.

“We have to take advantage of our guard play and get the ball up the court fast when we have opportunities. Not a lot of teams have been able to run with us for four quarters.”

First-year UC Merced coach Sarah Hopkins-Chery is experiencing the tournament for the first time. But she knows her players’ mindset, having played in her own national championship tournament in England.

“We’re not here for fun or just to take in the sights,” Hopkins-Chery said. “The girls are focused and have goals they still want to achieve. The main thing I need to do is keep everyone calm and remind them that they’ve earned their way here and that they belong.”

The game can be streamed live for a fee on the NAIA Network. UC Merced will host a free viewing party in room 209 of the SAAC building.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 5:44 PM with the headline "UC Merced women’s basketball all business at NAIA Championship in Iowa."