DES MOINES, IOWA – The Grand View women's basketball team took the floor in Sisam Arena one final time with a Championship and auto qualification to the National Tournament on the line. The Vikings, piecing together all at the right time, took an early first-quarter lead and wouldn't look back after the 8:45 mark, claiming their first Heart of America Conference Tournament Championship in program history, 65-62.

The Ravens would hit a jumper after securing the opening tip to see their only lead of the entire contest. Their opening lead would quickly diminish as the Vikings went on a 9-0 run ignited by two triples from Ella Larsen and Cleao Murray. The Ravens would cut their deficit to two, forcing the Vikings into a timeout. Grand View would see another comforting lead following the timeout after connecting on two more threes from Lauren Conrey and Larsen. Grand View shot a hot 57.14% from the three in the opening 10. 

To start the second quarter, Grand View would score in transition, as Murray went coast to coast following her own steal. The Vikings would struggle offensively in the second quarter, going 1 of 6 from the three-point line and 41.7% from the FG range, but nonetheless, they would hold the Ravens to only 12 quarter points. Allowing them to escape into halftime leading 34-23.

Johnston native Gossling rattled in a three to begin the fresh half. Grand View's lead grew to as much as 17 points twice in the third quarter. Despite foul trouble, Larsen would have a huge third quarter, pulling down 6 boards and scoring 6 for the Vikings, four of which came from a perfect stripe percentage.
 
BC would climb back within two points following a costly Viking turnover down the stretch in the fourth quarter. GVU would raise their lead back to four on the following possession, where Ellie Rengstorf would sink two big free throws. The Ravens would fumble a possession of their own that would result in a dagger of a three from Murray, giving the Vikings a seven-point lead with just a few seconds over 3 minutes left to play. The Ravens would get the look they wanted at the end of the contest, but it wouldn't fall as the Vikings displayed great perimeter defense earning them a finish as Heart of America Conference Tournament Champions for the first time in program history by a score of, 65-62.   
 
Grand View was led by a trio of Vikings, Cleao Murray finished with 19 points on 8-19 from the field. Following behind her was the Vikings who played a complete game on both ends, Ella Larsen who added a double-double with 16 points, and 12 rebounds. Anna Gossling would be the last GVU member in double-digits as she finished with 14 at 50% from the field.

The Vikings will record a record of 27-4 overall, and 20-4 in the Heart before the NAIA National Championship series. 

GAME NOTES: 

• This marks the first Heart of America Conference Tournament Championship for the Vikings.
• Ella Larsen recorded a double-double, 16 points, 12 rebounds, and was a perfect clutch 8-8 from the stripe.
•  The Vikings scored 16 points off Raven turnovers.
• With the win, the Vikings will secure an automatic qualifier bid for the 43^rd Annual Women's Basketball National Championship.

 WHAT'S NEXT?
Grand View will await the selection show to see who their opening round opponent is, this coming Thursday, March 7^th, the Selection Show will start at 7:00 PM CST on the NAIA YouTube Channel..