For the second year in a row the Hawks will open with the team that has the national leading scorer. The Chargers Liz Grider is a 5'11" guard and is averaging 25.94 points, 5.19 rebounds, 3.22 assist and 2.75 steals per game. Grider has attempted more free throws than the Hawks' two best guards combined at 275 attempts. She is shooting 46% from the field, 38% from the three point line and 78% free throw line. Grider has scored a season high 46 points in a loss to Northwestern College IA, and on four other occasions has scored 35 or more points in a contest.

The Chargers have two other players scoring in double figures. Sophomore forward Megan Slacedo and junior forward Morgan Brown add 12.6 and 11.1 points respectively.

Briar Cliff University competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference where there are 4 teams ranked in the top 25 including the #1, #3, #11, and #12 teams in the country.

As a team the Chargers are averaging 86.6 points per game while giving up 70 points. Just like the Hawks they have a 16 point win margin on the year. Briar Cliff is currently top 10 in a few categories. They are #2 in scoring offense per game, #2 in steals per game (16.5), #2 in total steals (531), #2 in total scoring offense, and #5 in field goal percentage.

Briar Cliff has relied heavily on Liz Grider scoring and will need to do so against a Hawk team that has proven to constantly put pressure. With Marie Vodicka, Lesley Vodicska, Jamie-Leigh Ronolo, and Danika Potestio to name a few, Grider and the other Charger guards will have their hands full.

Holy Names is led by junior guard Jamie-Leigh Ronolo with 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Player of the Year Lesley Vodicska also chips in with 9.52 points, 4.67 rebounds, 3.50 assist, and 4.47 steals per game. Vodicska is currently #2 in the country in total assists (139) and #3 in steals per game (4.47). The Hawks have average win margin of 18 points per game. They scored 74 points while holding opponents to a conference low 55 points per game.

The Hawks have had success due to some pretty impressive stats that show up in many categories nationally. Currently Holy Names ranks #4 in field goal percent defense (34%), #7 in total steals (425), # 9 in steals per game (13.21), #8 in 3 point field percent defense (27%) and #17 in turnover margin (4.9).

This game will come down to weather the Hawks can slow down Grider. Holy Names will be deep at the guard position and each one has speed! If the Hawks can slow down Grider they will have an opportunity to win.

Briar Cliff final ranking was #8 in the country and the Hawks were #23. The Game will take place Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 7pm (5pm California time). The game can be watched on line at: http://naia.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl-div2/2010Championship.html

Make sure you support your Hawks!