Eastern Arizona College Advances to Final Four at NJCAA National Tournament

Casper, WY- Eastern Arizona College's women's basketball team secured a spot in the NJCAA Division I Final Four after a hard-fought 64-59 victory over Wabash Valley on Saturday, March 29.

Wabash struck first with an early three-pointer, while EAC's Ashlyn Chlarson responded with two from the line. The Monsters struggled offensively in the first quarter but kept the game close. Lucia Auza's aggressive drive inside earned her a basket and a free throw, closing the gap to 13-14.

A ten-minute delay was caused by two players tangling, with fouls handed out and resulting in the ejections of Sarah Deng and a Wabash player for leaving the bench. Wabash added two free throws, but Chlarson kept EAC in the fight, making it a one-point game with 5:51 remaining in the half. Danaeja Love Romero Ah Sam hit back-to-back three-pointers, pushing the Monsters ahead 29-27 at halftime.

EAC dominated the third quarter, with Chlarson putting up 15 points to extend their lead to 12 heading into the fourth. Wabash pressured late, forcing turnovers and cutting the deficit to 58-52 with 1:36 left. Chlarson steadied the team with two free throws before fouling out with 19 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks. She was named Jersey Mike's Subs Player of the Game.

Eastern Arizona finished with 17-of-59 field goals, 28 rebounds, 11 turnovers, two blocks, and 11 steals. They now advance to the Final Four, set to play on Monday, March 31.