Rochester, Mn:
When the 2017 NJCAA Division III women's basketball national tournament bracket was unveiled, MCAC hoops fans were surprised to see the two league foes slated to tip-off against each other in the quarterfinal round. Mother Nature saw fit to add an additional twist to the story, sending in winter storm Stella to pass over the upper northeast section of the U.S.
Utica, New York, the host site for the National Championships, was at the epicenter of the blizzard, as were the surrounding cities of Syracuse and Albany which made national news for their snowfall amounts and tough travel conditions. Northland Tech made it eventually to the region, having to fly into Connecticut and make the rest of the journey by bus to upstate New York. Anoka-Ramsey also found itself learning more about the East Coast than originally planned, as they flew into Washington D.C., and then on to Syracuse, New York. Both schools are scheduled to get to the tournament site today.
Despite the ever-changing travel arrangements, the two squads are well positioned to be at their best for their noon tip-off Thursday. Coach Shannon Nelson's NCTC squads have taken part in 6 of the last 7 National Championship tournaments, including capturing the 2013-14 National Title. Golden Rams skipper, Dave DeWitt has guided his team to wins in 12 of their last 14 games in the 2016-17 season and tomorrow will mark his 7th National Championship tournament appearance, with his 2007 and 2011 Anoka-Ramsey squads earning the top NJCAA honors.
For full coverage of the NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball tournament, including the quarterfinal match-up of Northland Tech vs. Anoka-Ramsey, please visit:
http://www.gomvhawks.com/tournaments/wbkb/2016-17/index
Story courtesy of MCAC Sports