Boxscore and play-by-play

Shepherd earned the 100th career victory for head coach Jodie Runner in style as the Rams knocked off West Liberty State 65-56 in an NCAA Division II East Region tournament first round contest. 

Shepherd (23-6) advances to Saturday's semifinals to face upstart Mount Olive, which upset No. 1 seed IUP 62-56 in an earlier first round contest. 

Shepherd imited West Liberty State (24-6) to 24 percent shooting in the second half as the Rams rolled to victory in their first-ever NCAA tournament contest.

West Liberty State connected on six three-pointers in the opening half to own a narrow 31-30 lead at the break, but Shepherd scored the fist six points of the second half to grab the advantage.  The lead ballooned to 44-34 with 14:57 remaining and the Toppers never came within seven points from that point.

Laura Harkins led Shepherd with 21 points and four blocked shots.  Karie Warehime added 15 points and Krissy Grosselin chipped in with 11.  Carrie Saunders grabbed a game-high seven rebounds as the Rams held a 43-37 edge on the glass.

West Liberty State was paced by Tori Hansen's 18 points.  Renee Farina tallied 15 points for the Rams.  National assists leader Lisa Perry dished out seven.


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