Kirkwood Finishes Fourth, Capping After Historic Run
The Kirkwood Women's Basketball team wrapped up an incredible season on Monday, finishing with an outstanding 33-2 record.
The Eagles soared through the National Tournament, opening with a hard-fought 84-75 victory over Rock Valley (Ill.) in the second round. They carried that momentum into the quarterfinals, defeating Mesa College (Ariz.) 74-59 to extend their undefeated season to 33-0. However, in the semifinals, Kirkwood suffered its first loss of the year, falling 66-60 to eventual national champions Johnson County (Kan.) after a fourth-quarter surge from the Cavaliers. The Eagles then concluded their tournament run with a fourth-place finish after a 109-84 loss to CCBC Essex (Md.) in the third-place game.
Kirkwood entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, having held the top spot in the NJCAA rankings all season while aiming for back-to-back national titles. Despite falling short of their championship goal, the team's dominance was undeniable. Standout sophomore Jenna Twedt shined throughout the tournament, earning All-Tournament Team honors for her stellar performances.
This season was nothing short of historic for the Eagles. They claimed their fifth consecutive Region 11 Tournament title, regular season championship, and district title. Kirkwood also set an NJCAA Division II record with a remarkable 54-game win streak over the past two seasons while extending their home winning streak to 74 games. Statistically, the Eagles ranked sixth in offensive efficiency, second in net efficiency, and finished in the top five nationally in scoring. They also ranked among the best in ball security, committing the eighth-fewest turnovers per game in the NJCAA.
Though the season didn't end with another national title, the Eagles cemented their legacy as one of the most dominant teams in NJCAA history. With their championship mindset and winning culture, Kirkwood Women's Basketball remains a powerhouse poised for continued success.
Tournament Schedule:
Second Round - #1 Kirkwood def. #17 Rock Valley, 84-75 - Box Score
Quarterfinals - #1 Kirkwood def. #9 Mesa, 74-59 - Box Score
Semifinals - #4 Johnson County def. #1 Kirkwood, 66-60 - Box Score
Thrid Place Game - #2 CCBC Essex def. #1 Kirkwood, 109-84 - Box Score