Rochester, Mn-
The first NJCAA Division III poll in women's basketball of 2018 brought with it some good news for the Northern Division of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference.
Perennial power Northland CTC moved up from the fourth spot to #3 nationally, while Hibbing Community College cracked the Top 10, coming in at #7. Click here for the complete poll.
Northland faced off against three NJCAA Division II programs in early January to finish preparations for their title defense of the 2016-17 regular season MCAC Northern Division Championship earned last season under coach Shannon Nelson. The Pioneers went 2-1 to open 2018, falling 63-54 to Lake Region State before picking up successive victories over Dakota College-Bottineau and Gogebic Community College, taking both contests 64-51 and 79-61, respectively. Third-ranked Northland will take on Itasca Community College on Saturday, January 13 at 1pm to begin MCAC North play.
The Hibbing Cardinals and head coach Kate Brau have been on a roll as of late, winning six of their last seven contests. Most recently, HCC dropped 2016 Southern Division champion Anoka-Ramsey by a 77-45 scoreline on the Golden Rams home court and defeated Rochester CTC, 69-64 the following day. The Cardinals haven't lost since a 41-38 setback to MCAC South foe St. Cloud Technical and Community College on December 2. Hibbing will put it's #7 ranking on the line this evening with a final tune-up against the JV squad of Bethel University; Hibbing opens up Divisional play with a home game against Rainy River Community College on Friday, January 12 at 5:30pm. Rainy River currently sits 7-2 overall and have won their last five contests.
Rounding out the poll for the MCAC is Rochester Community & Technical College. The Yellowjackets moved into the 'Receiving Votes' category for the current poll. RCTC will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they travel to St. Cloud Technical and Community College on Wednesday, January 10 for a Southern Division showdown with the 4-8 Cyclones.
For more on MCAC Women's Basketball during the 2017-18 season, please visit:
Player Statistics: http://www.mcacsports.org/sports/wbkb/2017-18/leaders
Division Standings: http://www.mcacsports.org/sports/wbkb/2017-18/standings
Upcoming Contests & Recent Results: http://www.mcacsports.org/sports/wbkb/2017-18/schedule
To Follow Minnesota College Athletic Conference sports in 2018, please go to: www.mcacsports.org
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This release sponsored in part by Gopher Sport.
Gopher Sport, based in Owatonna, is an industry leader in Physical Education, sports and fitness equipment. Gopher Sport is dedicated to providing programs and departments with the products to improve fitness, develop skills, create fun and reach a high standard of learning and living. Gopher Sport has diligently served teachers, coaches and athletic directors around the world for over 65 years.
About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.