UW-Oshkosh Titans Charge into the NCAA Championship Second Round: Latest Highlights and Insights

OSHKOSH, Wis.- The UW-Oshkosh women’s basketball team knocked off Calvin University (Mich.) in the first round of the NCAA Division III Championship on March 7, winning 61-52. This victory marks the Titans’ 19th entrance into the second round of the national tournament in 20 postseason appearances.

Leading the Titans, Kayce Vaile (Fifth • Greendale) scored 16 points, shooting 5-of-13 from the field and hitting all six of her free throws. She also grabbed six rebounds, made two steals, had an assist, and blocked a shot in 38 minutes of play. Alex Rondorf (Grad. • West Bend) added 15 points, making 4-of-6 from three-point range, along with seven rebounds. Sammi Beyer (So. • Appleton) contributed 12 points, while Sarah Hardwick (Jr. • Green Bay) led with nine rebounds.

The game started tough for the Titans, who fell behind early. However, they took their first lead of the game with 6:06 left in the first quarter after a jumper by Beyer. Kate Huml (Jr. • Janesville) boosted the lead to 9-6, but Calvin ended the quarter ahead at 15-12.

In the second quarter, Vaile helped reclaim the lead a couple of times. Despite trailing 24-31 with 2:13 left in the half, the Titans finished strong, scoring five points to end the half down just 29-32.

Oshkosh came out strong in the third quarter with an 11-2 run, including key plays from Rondorf, Hardwick, and Vaile. By the end of the quarter, they held a 43-39 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Calvin narrowed the gap to just one point at 49-48. But Beyer hit a crucial three-pointer, regaining momentum for the Titans. The team finished strong, scoring nine points from free throws and holding the Knights to just two layups, sealing the game at 61-52.

Overall, the Titans shot 37% (20-of-54) from the field, 29.4% (5-of-17) from three-point territory, and 76.2% (16-of-21) from the free-throw line. Throughout the game, there were nine lead changes and four ties. The Titans scored 28 points in the paint, 18 on second-chance opportunities, and 12 off turnovers.

The Titans will return to action on March 8, facing Bethel University (Minn.) in the second round of the Division III Championship at Kolf Sports Center. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Bethel advanced after defeating DePauw University (Ind.) in their opener, marking their first tournament win since 1996.