SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Dordt University achieved a significant milestone in collegiate basketball by clinching their second consecutive NAIA championship title. The team emerged victorious with an 82-73 win over Indiana Wesleyan on Tuesday night, spearheaded by an outstanding triple-double performance from Macy Sievers who scored 25 points, secured 11 rebounds, and provided 12 assists. Sievers cemented her triple-double with her 10th rebound in the final seconds of the game.
During the tense final minute, Lilli Frasure of Indiana Wesleyan made a crucial layup, shrinking the gap to 78-73. However, instead of sending Dordt to the foul line, the Wildcats chose a defensive strategy. Sievers exploited this by driving towards the basket and opted to pass to her teammate, Willow Bleeker, who unfortunately missed a three-point attempt. Nevertheless, Sievers captured the offensive rebound, her 10th, and subsequently drew a foul with 17.9 seconds left on the clock. Converting both free throws solidified their lead to seven points. Impressively, Sievers held her composure at the line by sinking 7 out of her 8 free-throw attempts, including six consecutive ones in the nail-biting final minute.
Dordt’s remarkable journey to the championship was under the guidance of coach Bill Harmsen, marking their third appearance in the national finals over four years. The team’s NAIA championship record now stands at an impressive 19-3, including their previous victory against Providence (Mont.). In addition to Sievers’ exceptional performance, Gracie Schoonhoven contributed 19 points, Janie Van Donge added 15, and Olivia Harazin chipped in with 10 points.
For Indiana Wesleyan, Maddie Lawrence led the scoreboard with 17 points, followed by Jade Nutley’s contribution of 15 points. Taylor Folkema and Emily Mattingly also provided support with 13 and 10 points, respectively. The Wildcats struggled initially as Dordt surged ahead with an early offensive push, scoring the first 12 points of the second quarter and holding Indiana Wesleyan scoreless for over seven minutes. This effort ensured Dordt a comfortable 43-29 halftime advantage, with Sievers already gathering 12 points, six rebounds, and eight assists by the break. Dordt’s shooting accuracy was commendable at 63% from the field during the first half.
Despite trailing 64-44 entering the final quarter, Indiana Wesleyan showed resilience. Mattingly and Lawrence ignited hope with back-to-back three-pointers, initiating a 13-0 run that trimmed the deficit to 66-57 with seven minutes remaining. However, Dordt’s solidified defensive strategy and timely scoring ensured their hard-fought victory and their place at the pinnacle of NAIA women’s basketball once again.