Tribs defeat Kankakee, take third at nationals
Monroe prevails 66-57 to cap the season.
HARRISON, Arkansas - The MCC women's basketball team finished the season with a 66-57 win over Kankakee Community College to capture third place at the NJCAA Division 2 national tournament Saturday evening.
The Tribunes (29-4) jumped out to a quick lead and held off a late charge by the Cavaliers to come away with the win.
MCC trailed 6-3 early in the first quarter before closing the frame on a 12-0 run to grab the momentum. Caitie Broderick hit a pair of free throws and a basket to start the spurt and give Monroe a 7-6 lead.
Jaynelle Robinson then converted two buckets in the paint, and Sierra Green and Taliyah Brisco added field goals as Monroe led 15-6 after 10 minutes of play.
Green then scored seven of her team-high 13 in the second quarter to help the Tribunes take a 28-22 lead into the half.
The lead grew to as many as 20 in the third quarter as a balanced MCC attack on both ends of the floor kept Kankakee off balance. Broderick's three-point play made it 44-24 midway through the stanza as Monroe maintained control.
The Cavaliers were able to mount a rally in the fourth and closed to four at 46-42 with 6:53 remaining. Lanay Rodney helped restore order for Monroe, converting three shots as MCC went on a 12-3 run to put the game away.
Torrie Cash and White finished with nine points apiece while Rodney put up eight points and nine boards. Broderick totaled seven points and Robinson and Shalix Hines added six apiece.
Rodney and Hines were named to the all-tournament team for Monroe.