The Red Hawks of Simpson University wrapped up the women's round of games for Monday with a close win over the Eagles of Embry-Riddle (AZ). They are now slated to face off against #1 University of Antelope Valley in the championship game.

Embry-Riddle struggled to put any points on the board during the first five minutes of the game. Their first big break came from a three-pointer made by Ella Schott, and the Eagles went on a run to finish the quarter up 11-8. 

The second quarter began much of the same for the Eagles; quality shots and championship-level defensive work led to an eight point lead with 6:38 to go in the half. However, an uncharacteristic cold streak for the Eagles marked the final two and a half minutes, as the Red Hawks snuck back into the game, tying it at the break.

Starters took a back seat to the bench mob for the Eagles in the first half, with four bench players combining for 13 of the team's 19 points. Regular season leading Celina Tress and Livi Lindsey found themselves in familiar territory in the scoring department, with the pair combining for 11 in the first half.

Simpson showed their best offensive prowess in the game to that point in the third quarter, opening up the frame with a 7-0 run. And they continued that stretch, shooting a scorching 64.7% from the field in the third quarter and taking a nine-point lead into the fourth.

The start of the fourth quarter was once again a slow start for the Eagles, as the Red Hawks flew out on a 10-point run to open the quarter. It looked like the Red Hawks were getting into endgame territory, but it wasn't to be.

Embry-Riddle's defense became re-invigorated, following a timeout with less than seven minutes to go in the game. They forced six Simpson turnovers in less than three minutes, then promptly capitalized by closing the once 19-point lead to just nine with under three minutes to go.

Simpson locked down the Eagles defensively for four quality possessions, holding them to nothing over two minutes down the stretch. Zakiirah King snapped the scoring drought with a lay-in while being fouled, and promptly converted the and-one to keep the Red Hawks lead under double-digits.

The Eagles continued to battle, and even cut the Red Hawks lead down to four. Unfortunately, clutch free throw shooting by Tress and Nikki Thompson of the Red Hawks got them to the buzzer, clinching not only their spot in the finals but also their spot in the NAIA National Tournament.

Simpson was led in scoring by a trio in double digits; Tress finished with 18, Lindsey had 16, and Thompson's clutch free throw shooting finished her with 14. As a team, the Red Hawks shot 42.3% in the game, including a magical 58.3% in the second half.

Embry-Riddle was led by Zakiirah King, whose 15 points down the stretch of the fourth quarter gave the Prescott squad hope. Micaela Hidalgo finished with 10 points and six rebounds off the bench, four of which being offensive boards.

With the win, the Red Hawks clinch their berth in the NAIA National Tournament; but first, they have a date with destiny against the #1 seeded Antelope Valley Pioneers, with the winner being crowned Cal Pac Conference Tournament Champions. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. AST in Fieldhouse C at Bell Bank Park.