DPU in finals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass-- One game stands between the DePauw University's women's basketball team and a national championship as the Tigers defeated 10th-ranked Mary Washington University, 67-61, Friday.

In the process of advancing to the final game, the Tigers notched its 30th win of the season, setting a school record.

Liz Bondi sizzled from the floor, shooting 11-for-17 for a game-high 28 points. Suzy Doughty led the Tigers with five assists and four steals. Doughty, Cassie Pruzin, and Caitlin McGonigal each had five rebounds.

After DePauw closed to within three at 18-15, the Eagles put together a 9-2 run that pushed the lead to 27-17 with 6:29 remaining in the half. The Tigers closed the half with a 7-2 stretch and trimmed the halftime margin to 31-26.

Early in the second half, Kalei Lowes downed a three, while Bridget Bailey followed with a jumper and Gretchen Haehl knocked one in off the glass to give the Tigers their first lead at 35-33 with 16:24 remaining.

Mary Washington held a 58-56 advantage after Ashton Mitchell hit a free throw. Bondi hit two free throws and then added a jumper to give DePauw a 60-58 lead with 3:25 remaining.

With 17.8 seconds left, the Eagles pulled closer after a three-pointer from Debbie Bruen, but Doughty knocked down a free throw with 16.3 seconds remaining and Cassie Pruzin hit a pair with 7.8 seconds left to seal the win.

Liz Hickey led Mary Washington with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Tigers face Washington University at 3:05 p.m. on Saturday after the Bears defeated New York University, 72-53.

Mary Washington will face New York University in the consolation game before the championship game.

With the win, the women's team joins the 1990 men's team as the only teams in school history to reach the Division III NCAA championship game.

At Springfield, Mass.

NCAA Division III

Tournament Semifinal

DePauw 67

Mary Washington 61

DePauw -- Bondi 11-17 4-4 28, Doughty 1-6 6-8 8, Lowes 3-6 0-0 8, Bailey 3-9 0-0 6, Fernandez 3-3 0-0 6, Gr. Haehl 1-5 1-2 3, Pruzin 0-5 2-3 2, Marshall 1-4 0-0 2, Gw. Haehl 1-4 0-0 2, McGonigal 1-5 0-0 2. Totals 25-64 FG, 13-17 FT, 67 TP.

Mary Washington -- Bruen 5-9 2-2 14, Hickey 7-12 0-5 14, Clarkin 3-6 0-0 9, Mitchell 2-4 3-4 7, Kampman 3-6 0-0 6, Bates 2-5 0-0 5, Tracy 2-3 0-0 4, Larson 0-2 2-2 2, Davies 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 24-47 FG, 7-13 FT, 61.

3-pt. FG -- DPU 4-18 (Bondi 2-2, Lowes 2-4), MW 6-14 (Clarkin 3-5). Rebounds -- DPU 35 (Pruzin, Doughty, McGonigal 5), MW 34 (Hickey 10). Assists -- DPU Doughty 5), MW 12 (Bruen, Larson 4). Total Fouls -- DPU 13, MW 17. Fouled Out -- None.