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DES PLAINES, IL – The Oakton College women’s basketball team is poised to make history as they stand one win away from qualifying for the NJCAA Division II National Tournament for the first time ever. The Owls will face off against Bryant & Stratton College of Wisconsin in the NJCAA Region 4 Division II District A final on Saturday, March 11th, at Rock Valley College.
Oakton secured their place in the District A finals by defeating the Black Hawk Braves with a 73-64 victory on Saturday, March 4th. Madison Dorband, a sophomore forward from Chicago, led the Owls with 16 points, while Niyah Udoiwod, a sophomore forward from Geneva, dominated the boards with 9 rebounds.
Head Coach Tony Siriscevich Jr. is proud of the team’s hard work and dedication, stating, “We have seen what the top of the ladder looks like last year and have been training since April. The team has worked hard in the classroom and on the court while creating a unique bond within the group. We were not sure what to expect, but now we see the hard work has paid off.”
To reach the national tournament, Oakton must defeat the Bryant & Stratton Bobcats, who defeated them earlier this season and also in last year’s district finals. Despite the loss, the team is determined to come out on top, with Niyah Udoiwod stating, “It is a bit personal. It was our first loss of the season, so we were meant to meet in the final.” Meryam Belbaz, a sophomore guard from Skokie, adds, “We want to go to nationals, so the goal is to beat them.”
With 11 months of hard work and sacrifice, Coach Siriscevich believes in his team and is confident in their abilities, saying, “I could not be more proud of the team. Although right now, we are just enjoying the moment, the plan is to go to the nationals.”