Daemen University Women’s Basketball Team Wins NCAA Division II East Region Championship
WALTHAM, Mass. — The Daemen University women’s basketball team secured their spot in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight for the second time in four seasons after winning the East Region Championship on Monday night. The Wildcats, who entered the tournament as the No. 6 seed, defeated No. 4 seed Jefferson University with a final score of 69-62.
This victory marked the program’s second East Region Championship and their eighth consecutive win, bringing their season record to 23-7. Senior guard Alahna Paige was named the Most Valuable Player of the East Region, finishing the tournament with a total of 61 points. Senior forward Natalie Angeletti also received recognition, earning a spot on the East Region All-Tournament Team.
The game saw a back-and-forth battle, with Jefferson initially taking the lead before Daemen rallied back with a strong performance from Angeletti. The Wildcats dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Rams 20-10 and taking a 33-26 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Jefferson made a comeback, briefly taking the lead before Daemen regained control and closed out the game with a 69-62 victory. Angeletti led the Wildcats offensively with 16 points, shooting 5-of-8 from the field and making key plays on both ends of the court.
With this win, Daemen tied their Division II-era win record of 23 wins, previously set during the 2019-20 season. Three senior players, including Paige and Angeletti, who have been with the team throughout their college careers, will now advance to the Elite Eight for the second time.
The Wildcats’ success in the East Region Championship reflects their dedication and skill on the court, setting the stage for an exciting run in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.