On Saturday afternoon, the Captains faced second-ranked Transylvania University in the NCAA Division III National Championship Game. The game was played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. It was the second time in Division III history that one school had both a Men’s and Women’s team appear in National Championship Games. 

Unfortunately, both teams could not come home victorious. While the Captains were able to keep the game close, they fell just short with a 57-52 defeat that ended their perfect season.

The Captains built a nine-point lead early on in the game due to stellar defense early on. However, Transylvania was able to trim the lead to three by the end of the quarter. At around the seven minute mark of the second quarter, Transylvania took the lead. After a very defensive first half, Transylvania had a narrow 23-21 lead at the half.

In the third quarter, Transylvania gained momentum. A 13-0 run gave them a double digit lead with just under five minutes remaining in the quarter. However, the Captains defense began to take over. A pair of turnovers led to two quick baskets from the Captains which cut the lead to seven. A layup from Sophomore Hannah Orloff made it a four point game but a made three-pointer from Transylvania brought the lead to seven at the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter started out as a back and forth contest. A series of missed three-pointers from Transylvania and three consecutive made jump shots from the Captains made it a one point game. A pair of made free throws from Graduate Student Lauren Fortescue tied the game at 47. A pair of made free throws from Transylvania allowed them to regain the lead with 90 seconds left but a made jumper from Junior Gabbi San Diego tied the game again. A made layup from Transylvania gave them the lead. After a Captains timeout, the potential game-tying shot fell short and the Captains bid at a National Championship ended with a 57-52 defeat.

The Captains mostly outplayed Transylvania, shooting 36 percent from the field to Transylvania’s 30 as well as outrebounding them 44-42. However, Transylvania was able to get to the free throw line more often than the Captains, attempting 17 free throws compared to the Captains four.

The Captains perfect season came to an end in this game, making them 31-1 on the season. This was the program’s first ever NCAA National Championship Game appearance and only their second defeat in their last 76 games.