After two commanding wins in the first two rounds of the tournament, the University of Scranton women’s basketball team is getting set for the round of 16 on Friday

SCRANTON, Pa. — This NCAA banner hanging in the Long Center at the University of Scranton could not be more true.  The Landmark Conference champion Lady Royals won their 11th straight title to get an automatic bid into the NCAA D3 tournament. So far, the Royals are reigning supreme. They won the first two rounds in dominant fashion, scoring a total of 186 points!

“Every single team we’re playing has like top players in the country and we really just wanted to go out there and prove ourselves that like what we’ve done this season,” said junior Katie Gorski.

“They were two really good team wins. Everyone was contributing. The energy was good, so we’re just trying to build off that and we know we have our potential is still so much more and our best basketball is still yet to come,” said junior Meghan Lamanna.

“This is my 4th time in the NCAA tournament. Not many people can say it but us seniors, but we’re just excited just to get make the deepest run that we can and just to have fun, it’s the biggest part of the game,” said senior Kaci Kranson.

So far in the tournament, it’s been a true team effort. Five players scoring in double digits in both games against Framingham State and Otterbein.

“Everyone has a unique role, unique ability on this team, and just to see everyone shine out there, especially in this big tournament, it’s just something special to see because you know behind the scenes we see how hard every girl puts into work every single day. So it’s just nice that they’re getting recognized for it,” Kranson said.

And now, the Sweet 16!  The Lady Royals will face Bates, a team they beat in the second round handily last year.

“We know that they’re going to be coming out here, giving it their all, and so are we. So it’s really it is fun being able to play them again, especially that we like know them pretty well. So I’m just excited. I think it should be a really good game,” Gorski said.

The Lady Royals will continue their journey in the NCAA Division 3 tournament coming up on Friday at the Long Center against Bates with tip at 7 o’clock.