\n Story Links
\n
<\/p>\n
DENTON, Texas\u00a0(March 6, 2025) \u2013 Out of 11 seasons of NCAA postseason eligibility, the Lubbock Christian University Lady Chaparrals are appearing in their 10th NCAA postseason appearance Friday, as the No.6-seeded Lady Chaparrals open the quarterfinals of the NCAA South Central Regional inside Texas Woman’s Kitty Magee Arena with a noon tip against No.3 nationally ranked and No.3-seeded Colorado Mesa Mavericks, who are the automatic qualifiers out of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 EYE-OPENING
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tNCAA DIV. II WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tOPPONENT
\n\t\t\tLOCATION
\n\t\t\tDAY
\n\t\t\tTIME (CT)
\n\t\t\tWATCH
\n\t\t\tSTATS
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tColorado Mesa
\n\t\t\tDenton, Texas
\n\t\t\tFri.\u00a0Mar. 13
\n\t\t\t12 p.m.
\n\t\t\tVideo<\/a>
\n\t\t\tStats<\/a>
\n\t\t
\n\t
<\/p>\n
\nSCENARIOS
\nIF LCU WINS: If the Lady Chaps defeats CMU, they will improve to 24-7 on the season and will advance to the tournament Semifinals game to face either No.2-seed No.6 West Texas A&M or No.7-seed UT Tyler Saturday at 5 p.m. in Denton.
\n\u00a0
\nIF LCU LOSES: If the Lady Chaps fall to the Mavs, their record will drop to 23-8, they will be eliminated from the tournament and they will suffer their fourth NCAA regional loss in program history and will have their all-time NCAA postseason record move to 27-6 all-time.
\n\u00a0
\nFALLING IN FRISCO
\nFifth-seeded Eastern New Mexico rallied late to defeat fourth-seeded LCU 62\u201359 in overtime Friday in the quarterfinals of the Lone Star Conference Women’s Basketball Championship. LCU led most of the game, including a 45\u201339 edge entering the fourth quarter, but ENMU forced overtime on a late three-pointer. Kennedy Chappell<\/a> led the Lady Chaps with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Martie McCoy<\/a> added 14 points with four three-pointers. Freshman Meg Meekins<\/a> scored 12 points in the first quarter before exiting in the third. ENMU closed the game on a 6\u20130 run in overtime as LCU committed a season-high 25 turnovers.
\n\u00a0
\nRECOGNITION
\nLubbock Christian placed three players among the Lone Star Conference’s top women’s basketball honorees at the LSC Awards Social in Frisco. Junior guard Kennedy Chappell<\/a> earned All-LSC First Team, All-Defensive Team and All-Academic Team honors after leading the Lady Chaps in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals. Freshman guard Meg Meekins<\/a> was named LSC Freshman of the Year (Lady Chap first-ever recipient) and All-LSC Second Team after averaging 12.6 points and leading the team with 50 three-pointers in the regular season. Senior Martie McCoy<\/a> received All-Academic Team recognition.
\n\u00a0
\nBUT WAIT THERE’S MORE
\nKennedy Chappell<\/a> earned First Team All-South Central Region honors from D2CCA, extending Lubbock Christian Lady Chaparrals’ streak of producing an all-region selection every season since 2015-16 (every season they have been eligible). Chappell leads LCU in scoring (15.4), rebounding (6.3), assists (104) and steals (55) while ranking sixth in the Lone Star Conference in scoring. She also earned First Team All-LSC, All-Defensive and All-Academic honors.
\n\u00a0
\nCHAP-TIVATING STATS: 5 LADY CHAP FACTS
\n1 > 23-Win Season
\nLubbock Christian enters NCAA postseason play with a 23-7 overall record after finishing the regular season 15-5 in the Lone Star Conference to tie for fourth in the standings. The Lady Chaps were dominant at Rip Griffin Center, posting an 11-1 home record while going 9-5 on the road and 3-1 at neutral sites. LCU carries a +9.6 scoring margin into regional play and has relied on a defense allowing just 57.9 points per game, which ranks No. 39 nationally and fourth in the LSC.
\n\u00a0
\n2 > Elite From Beyond the Arc
\nPerimeter shooting continues to be a defining strength for the Lady Chaps. Lubbock Christian leads the Lone Star Conference and ranks No. 17 nationally in three-point percentage at .347. The Lady Chaps average 7.2 made three-pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the LSC and No. 58 nationally. Freshman Meg Meekins<\/a> leads the team with 51 three-pointers, ranking fourth in the conference, while Maddie Moyers<\/a> (.397), Taylor Allen<\/a> (.392) and Raegan Lee<\/a> (.375) also provide efficiency from long range.
\n\u00a0
\n3 > Taking Care of the Basketball
\nBall security remains one of LCU’s biggest strengths. The Lady Chaps commit just 13.9 turnovers per game, the fewest in the Lone Star Conference and No. 39 nationally. LCU also ranks No. 51 nationally with a 0.98 assist-to-turnover ratio. Senior Martie McCoy<\/a> leads the conference with a 2.21 assist-to-turnover ratio, which ranks No. 13 nationally, while Kennedy Chappell<\/a> leads the team with 104 assists and ranks second in the LSC in total assists.
\n\u00a0
\n4 > Defense That Limits Opponents
\nLCU has paired efficient offense with consistent defense throughout the season. The Lady Chaps allow only 57.9 points per game, ranking No. 39 nationally and fourth in the Lone Star Conference. Opponents shoot just 36.8 percent from the field, placing LCU No. 53 nationally, while teams connect on only 29.8 percent from three-point range. That defensive effort has helped produce LCU’s +9.6 scoring margin this season.
\n\u00a0
\n5 > Chappell Leads Balanced Attack
\nJunior guard Kennedy Chappell<\/a> continues to anchor the Lady Chaps’ offense, averaging 15.4 points per game while shooting 50.7 percent from the field, ranking second in the Lone Star Conference. She also leads the LSC in free throws made (143) and attempts (185) while pacing LCU with 104 assists and adding 6.3 rebounds and 55 steals. Freshman Meg Meekins<\/a> adds 12.6 points per game and leads the team with 51 three-pointers, while Martie McCoy<\/a> (7.5 ppg) and Tia Johnson<\/a> (7.3 ppg) provide additional balance in LCU’s scoring lineup.
\n\u00a0
\nFREEBIRD
\nLCU women’s basketball head coach Steve Gomez<\/a> has been named head coach of the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s U17 National Team, USA Basketball announced Tuesday.
\nGomez will lead the United States at the 2026 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup (July 11-19) in Brno, Czechia, after guiding the USA U16 team to gold at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. He previously served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball in 2017 and 2018.
\n\u00a0
\nNow in his 23rd season at LCU, Gomez owns a 575-163 record and has led the Lady Chaps to three NCAA Division II national championships (2016, 2019, 2021). The U.S. has won six of seven FIBA U17 World Cups since the event began in 2010.
\n\u00a0
\nThe team will hold trials and training camp prior to international competition this summer.
\n\u00a0
\nCONFERENCE CONVERSATION
\nLubbock Christian posted a 15\u20135 record in Lone Star Conference play, going 9\u20131 at home and 6\u20134 on the road, while outscoring league opponents 66.9\u201356.6 for a +10.3 scoring margin. The Lady Chaps shot 43.9% from the field and 32.7% from three-point range, while holding opponents to 35.4% shooting. LCU averaged 34.3 rebounds and 12.8 assists per game and maintained a +1.2 turnover margin. Kennedy Chappell<\/a> led the team with 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, adding 55 assists and 40 steals. Meg Meekins<\/a> contributed 11.4 points per game with 23 three-pointers, while Tia Johnson<\/a> averaged 8.4 points and shot 42.1% from three-point range. Martie McCoy<\/a> added 7.0 points and 55 assists, helping guide the offense as LCU produced 256 assists in conference action.<\/p>\n
\nThe 2025-26 season marks LCU’s 13th since leaving the NAIA and LCU is 342-69 record (83.2%) in that span. In NCAA postseason play, the Lady Chaps are 27-5 all-time (78.1%). They are 24-1 over a two-season span at home and are 174-10 (94.6%) since becoming full-time NCAA members (2015-16 season being the first season) at home.
\n\u00a0
\nTOURNEY TALK
\nLCU boasts a 27-5 all-time record in NCAA postseason play, all since becoming eligible in 2015-16, including a 18-3 mark in South Central Regional competition. As the Lady Chaps begin their 10th NCAA postseason appearance Friday, it will also mark their 15th regional game played away from home. LCU previously competed in the first two rounds of the 2018-19 South Central Regional in Grand Junction, Colo., followed by regional appearances in Canyon, Texas (2020-21, 2021-22), San Angelo, Texas (2022-23), and Denton (2023-24, 2025-26). In those games, LCU holds an 11-3 record, highlighted by a 56-53 win at tournament host Colorado Mesa in 2019 and their regional title win over 2025 tournament host Texas Woman’s (2-1 in true road games, 9-2 at neutral sites).
\n\u00a0
\nLubbock Christian is shooting 46.7% all-time in NCAA South Central Regional games, while holding opponents to a 38.4% shooting mark from the field and a 25.3% shooting woe from long range. Former Lady Chaps Maddi Chitsey is LCU’s all-time leading scorer in regional action (in average scoring), averaging 17.2 points per game (she played in six career NCAA regional contests) and compiling 103 points. Grace Foster<\/a> is LCU’s career leader in overall points scored in regional play with 158 career points in 11 career games. Allie Schulte is LCU’s all-time leader in NCAA postseason scoring with 205 career points (in 18 games, which is the highest amount of postseason games played by a Lady Chap). Juliana Robertson is their all-time leader in rebounds in regional contests with 61 (6.8 average).
\n\u00a0
\nKennedy Chappell<\/a>, a junior from Heath, Texas, is LCU’s active leader in postseason scoring with 26 points and an average 6.5 points per game. A member of the 2025 All-Tournament Team, Chappell is 4-of-10 (.40) from three-point range in four career NCAA postseason games.
\n\u00a0
\nLCU’s ALL-TIME REGIONALS ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
\n\u00a0
\n2015-2016
\nTess Bruffey (MOP)
\nNicole Hampton
\nHaley Fowler
\n\u00a0
\n2017-2018
\nTess Bruffey (MOP)
\nMaddi Chitsey
\n\u00a0
\n2018-2019
\nOlivia Robertson (MOP)
\nMaddi Chitsey
\n\u00a0
\n2020-2021
\nEmma Middleton (MOP)
\nAllie Schulte
\nJuliana Robertson
\n\u00a0
\n2021-2022
\nAshton Duncan
\nJuliana Robertson
\n\u00a0
\n2022-2023
\nGrace Foster<\/a><\/a>
\nMaci Maddox<\/a><\/a>
\n\u00a0
\n2024-2025
\nMaci Maddox<\/a> (MOP)
\nGrace Foster<\/a>
\nKennedy Chappell<\/a>
\n\u00a0
\nPUT IT IN NEUTRAL
\nLubbock Christian has posted a 3\u20131 record in neutral-site games, while outscoring opponents 67.5\u201361.8 for a +5.8 scoring margin. The Lady Chaps are shooting 42.1% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range, while converting 76.7% at the free-throw line in neutral-site contests. LCU is averaging 15.5 assists per game and forcing 19.0 turnovers per contest, producing a +3.5 turnover margin.
\n\u00a0
\nKennedy Chappell<\/a> leads the team with 17.8 points per game in neutral-site play, adding 22 assists and seven steals while shooting 54.3% from the field. Meg Meekins<\/a> follows with 13.8 points per game and a team-high nine three-pointers, shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc. Kimber Mathews<\/a> provides a scoring spark off the bench with 10.7 points per game, shooting 59.1% from the field, while Martie McCoy<\/a> directs the offense with 15 assists across the four neutral-floor games.
\n\u00a0
\nFIVE FACTS ABOUT CMU\u00a0
\n1 > Colorado Mesa Mavericks women’s basketball enters the NCAA South Central Regional with one of the most impressive r\u00e9sum\u00e9s in the country, carrying a 33\u20131 record and a 30-game winning streak into postseason play. The Mavericks went 20\u20130 in the RMAC regular season, becoming the first team in 30 years to complete an undefeated conference slate. Their only loss came on the road against West Texas A&M Buffaloes women’s basketball in Canyon, Texas. Since then, Colorado Mesa has dominated opponents with a +24.6 scoring margin (third nationally) and has not won a game by single digits in its last 19 contests.
\n\u00a0
\n2 > Senior forward Olivia Reed Thyne is one of the most dominant players in Division II, averaging 22.1 points and 11.4 rebounds per game while shooting 62.8% from the field. The D2CCA South Central Region Most Valuable Player has recorded 19 double-doubles this season and ranks among the national leaders in total points and rebounds. Guard Mason Rowland provides a dynamic perimeter threat with 18.3 points per game, 73 made three-pointers, and 86.3% free-throw shooting, while senior guard Mykaela Moore orchestrates the offense with 3.4 assists per game and one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the RMAC.
\n\u00a0
\n3 > Colorado Mesa’s balance is reflected in its national statistical rankings. The Mavericks average 76.4 points per game while allowing just 51.8, ranking sixth nationally in scoring defense. Opponents shoot only 33.2% from the field, one of the top marks in Division II, while the Mavericks shoot 44.3% themselves. They also rank fifth nationally in assists per game (17.9) and lead the RMAC in assist-to-turnover ratio, reflecting an efficient and disciplined offensive attack.
\n\u00a0
\n4 > Head coach Taylor Wagner has built the Mavericks into a perennial contender during his 14 seasons at the helm. Wagner is guiding Colorado Mesa to their 10th NCAA Tournament appearance, including three straight, and owns more than 300 career wins with the program. Under his leadership, the Mavericks have posted three 30-win seasons, highlighted by an Elite Eight run in 2013 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 2014.
\n\u00a0
\n5 > Colorado Mesa has steadily built its postseason r\u00e9sum\u00e9 over the years. The Mavericks are making their 10th NCAA Tournament appearance and hold a 7\u20138 record in NCAA Division II Tournament play. Their deepest run came in 2013, when they captured the South Central Regional title and advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight in San Antonio. This year’s regional marks their third consecutive appearance.
\n\u00a0
\nTHE SERIES AGAINST CMU
\nThe Lady Chaps and Mavs have only met three previous times, meeting in Gunnison, Colo. on Nov. 21, 2003 (neutral site contest), in Grand Junction, Colo. at the 2019 NCAA Division II South Central Regional (Mar. 16, 2023) and in Denton two seasons ago (Mar. 15, 2024) in the quarterfinals of the 2024 NCAA Division II South Central Regional. LCU was victorious in the first two meetings. In 2003, LCU won 74-73 and the contest was Coach\u00a0Steve Gomez<\/a><\/a>‘s third all-time win, as the 23rd-year head coach was in his first season coaching the Lady Chaps. In 2019, LCU closed the game on a 7-0 run and won 56-53 at Brownson Arena during a split-site regional (the win allowed LCU to host the regional final against Angelo State). The lone loss came in their prior meeting, as CMU returned the favor from their 2019 loss by closing the game on a 7-0 run to top the Lady Chaps 68-61 and advance to the semifinals.
\n\u00a0
\nPRIOR MEETING VS. CMU
\nDENTON, Texas (Mar. 15, 2024) \u2013 LCU 68 \u2013 MSU 61 \u00a0
\nA late run by Colorado Mesa Mavericks women’s basketball denied Lubbock Christian Lady Chaparrals women’s basketball an upset bid, as the Mavericks closed the game on a 7\u20130 run in the final 52 seconds to secure a 68\u201361 victory in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional quarterfinals in Denton, Texas.
\n\u00a0
\nLCU rallied from a 61\u201352 deficit, using a 9\u20130 run capped by a three-pointer from Grace Foster<\/a> to tie the game 61\u201361 with 1:09 remaining, but Colorado Mesa answered with the final seven points to seal the win.
\n\u00a0
\nFoster led the Lady Chaps with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Audrey Robertson<\/a> and Maci Maddox<\/a> each added 13 points, with Maddox also recording five assists. LCU took care of the basketball throughout the contest, committing only five turnovers while forcing 18 from Colorado Mesa, which led to a 15\u20137 advantage in points off turnovers.
\n\u00a0
\nDespite the defensive effort, LCU was unable to finish the comeback as its season ended at 21\u201310. The loss marked the Lady Chaps’ first defeat against Colorado Mesa, moving their all-time series record to 2\u20131 in favor of LCU at the time.
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Story Links
DENTON, Texas\u00a0(March 6, 2025) \u2013 Out of 11 seasons of NCAA postseason eligibility, the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":202246,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[168,170,169],"class_list":["post-202245","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-lubbock","tag-lubbock","tag-lubbock-headlines","tag-lubbock-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202245"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202245\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/202246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}