Indianapolis, IN (February 28, 2022) - The DeSales University women's basketball team is headed to the NCAA Division III Tournament and will take on Cortland in the opening round on Friday evening as part of a four-team 1st/2nd round pod at Tufts University as announced by the NCAA Division III women's basketball committee.
The Bulldogs will (21-3) will take on Cortland (21-5), a Pool "C" at-large selection, on Friday evening at Tufts University with a game time to be announced tomorrow. The other opening round match-up will feature the host, Tufts University (20-4), also a Pool "C" at-large selection, taking on Clarks Summit University (23-4), winners of the CSAC Championship. The two winners will then meet on Saturday evening with the winner advancing to the NCAA Tournament "Sweet 16" the following weekend.
DeSales is making its 15th trip to the NCAA Tournament and its fourth since the 2017 season. DSU has been to the "Sweet 16" twice since the brackets were expanded in 2008 and 2019. Overall the Bulldogs are 7-14 all-time in the tournament.
Head coachÂ
Fred Richter is in his 32nd season with the Bulldogs boasting a career mark of 611-248 (.711) entering the tournament. He has led DeSales to 13 of its 15 NCAA Tournament appearances and has helped DSU win 12 conference championships (2 PAC, 10 MAC Freedom).
DeSales will be led by seniorÂ
Averi Jordan, a D3hoops.com and WBCA All-American each of the last two years, who is averaging 18.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. SophomoreÂ
Mikaela Reese is second in both scoring (14.6 PPG) and rebounding (8.0 RPG), while also leading the team with 48 blocked shots. JuniorÂ
Megan Bealer also averages double digits at 11.0 points per game and pulling down 6.7 rebounds per game. Sophomores
 Lindsey Welsh (9.5 PPG) andÂ
Amelia Saunders (9.1 PPG) average just below double figures and juniorÂ
Maria Newsome is the team leader in assists with 90 on the season.
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