JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University women's basketball team posted a 75-66 win over the University of West Florida Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament South Region. Union advances to their first Sweet Sixteen in their first year as full members of NCAA Division II.
 
Union, seeded No. 1 in the South Region, improved to 28-3 on the season. West Florida ended their year at 20-9. Union advances to face 2-seed Nova Southeastern for the region championship Monday night at 7 p.m. at Union. The winner advances to the D2 National Tournament Elite Eight in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
 
Union head coach Mark Campbell said, "The thing about tonight's game that made me a little bit anxious was the fact that we (Union and West Florida) know so much about each other. We knew it was really important to get off to a good start in the first five minutes. After a some moments of fatigue, we got back into a good grove in the second half, and were able to get some key offensive rebounds."
 
Senior guard Amber Rechis said, "I wasn't emotionally ready for this to be my last game. I'm proud of the way we played and battled to the end."
 
Union opened the game with a 3-pointer from Kelsey Risner and scored seven of the first eight points to lead 7-1. Union led by 10 points 13-3 and again 15-5. Union extended their lead to as many as 18 points, 30-12, with 7:57 left in the first half.
 
But West Florida began to slowly rally. The Argos cut their deficit down to eight points a few times before finding themselves down nine, 42-33 at the break.
 
In the second half, Union got it back up to 11 points with two quick free throws from Amber Rechis. With 17:14 left, Union still led by double figures, 51-41. West Florida then posted an 8-0 run to cut the Union lead to its smallest of the game at two points, 51-49, with 12:17 left in the game.
 
Union answered with a three pointer from Rechis and regained control of the game. Union went back up by as many as 12 points, 63-51, with 7:15 left. West Florida got as close as five points down the stretch, but Union made all 10 of their free throw attempts in the final five minutes of play to seal the win.
 
Union's Amy Philamlee led all scorers with 35 points, shooting 11-for-20 from the field, 2-of-3 from 3-point range and hitting all 11 free throws. Kelsey Risner scored 12 points for Union. Union shot 42 percent from the field, 50 percent (7-14) from 3-point range and 89 percent (24-27) from the free throw line.
 
West Florida was led by Brianna Williams with 20 points. Kelly Preston and Jasmine Wigfall added 12 points each. The Argos shot 40 percent from the field, 10 percent (1-10) from 3-point range and 83 percent (15-18) from the free throw line.
 
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