WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT DOWN TO FOUR READY TO MAKE THEIR MOVE TO THE NATIONAL STAGE

The road the NCAA Division III women's basketball tournament leads through Pittsburgh this weekend as top seeded and three-time defending champion La Roche College plays host to the AMCC tournament.

La Roche will face #5 seed Pitt-Bradford in the first semifinal at 6pm.  The Panthers knocked off #4 seed Pitt-Greensburg on Tuesday night and will walk on the court Friday as one of just tow AMCC teams to hand the Redhawks a loss this season in conference play.  Led by junior forward Alicia Kimmel's 14 points and 5 rebounds, UPB ended a two game skid when it mattered most.  A first team All-AMCC selection in 2013, Kimmel is on the floor more than 32 minutes a game, averaging 13.8 ppg and 7.0 rpg.  She will get support from sophomore guard Abby Brate (9.2 ppg, 3.7 apg). 

The Redhawks have more than their share of weapons, starting with another first team all-conference player from last season, senior guard Casie Cygan.  Cygan is averaging 17.7 ppg and 2.1 apg and 2.5 spg.  Junior forward Lashauna Brothers (12.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg) and freshman forward Mackenzie O'Donnell (12. 3 ppg, 6.4 rpg) will also combine to make life tough for the Panthers' defense.

The 8pm semifinal will feature #2 seed Medaille College vs. #3 Mount Aloysius College.  The Mavericks tied the Redhawks for the regular season title as the two split games, each winning on their home courts.  Senior guard Joelle Pollak, a two-time first team all-conference honoree, will lead the offense with an all-court presence.  She averages 16.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.8 apg.  Sophomore guard Brittnee Perry is a standout contributor as well, with 13.9 ppg and 9.1 rpg.

The Mounties, fresh off a first round win over D'Youville College, are up to the challenge.  They forged a split with Medaille in the regular season which will no doubt give them the confidence to take it to the Mavs one more time.  They boast their own first team all-conference player in senior guard Lindsy Sammarco who is averaging 11.9 ppg and 3.2 apg.  Then there is freshman standout Becky Bard to contend with, who is contributing 16.0 ppg and 4.4 rpg.

The winners will advance to the championship game at 3pm on Saturday, and with the victory will come the AMCC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.