[1]JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)–The Union University Lady Bulldogs won the 2005 NAIA National Basketball Championship with a 67-63 win over Oklahoma City University in the title game March 22 at Oman Arena in Jackson, Tenn.
For Union (35-5), this is the second NAIA women’s national title (1998, 2005) and the first for sixth year head coach Mark Campbell.
Union led 30-29 at halftime and then stretched that lead to 17 points (59-42) with just over 11 minutes remaining in the game. Oklahoma City slowly crept back and pulled to within two points with 27 seconds left.
Union held that two-point lead as Ena Daniels, a 64 percent free-throw shooter for the year, stepped to the line and made both free throws with eight seconds remaining.
Union led by four, 67-63, and after a turnover by Oklahoma City on the inbounds play, the game was sealed for Union.
Union was led by freshman guard Merideth Richardson with 15 points. Senior forward Stephanie Clark tallied a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Jennifer Henson added 12 points, while Daniels scored 11 points.
[2]Union had several players honored by the NAIA. Clark was named the NAIA co-player of the year, along with Lisa Faulkner of Vangurd. Clark was also named a repeat first team All-American.
Richardson was named an NAIA All-American honorable mention.
Clark was also named the NAIA National Tournament MVP and earned a spot on the all-tournament team.
Daniels joined Clark for Union on the all-tournament team.
Union’s senior guard Monica Elliot earned the NAIA National Tournament Hustle Award.
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