Huntington University Women's Basketball

News from the 2010 NAIA Tournament

2010-03-10T11:53:00.002-05:00

Cheer on the Foresters as they compete in the 2010 NAIA National Tournament!

Stories and photos will be published at www.huntington.edu/athletics.

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2009 season ends as Foresters fall to Lady Panthers in NAIA Sweet 16

2009-03-13T18:48:00.006-04:00

The Huntington University Foresters were defeated by the Davenport University Lady Panthers in the second round of play at the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Tournament. Click here for box score and game summary.

HU vs. Davenport on radio this afternoon

2009-03-13T14:54:00.002-04:00

Hi Forester fans - in case you are looking for a radio broadcast of today's game - check out this link http://www.michigansportsradio.com/davenport.html The Davenport radio guys plan to broadcast and wanted to share the link with our folks back home. (Here's hoping that the coverage isn't too one-sided.) Go Foresters!

Foresters bring the pep

2009-03-13T14:40:00.005-04:00

The Foresters got amped up for today's second round game against Davenport University with a pep rally at the Holiday Inn in Sioux City. Coaches and parents spoke, and the rally ended with a rousing "Go Foresters!" cheer. Check out photo highlights from the pep rally >>

One HU Alum's Top Ten List of Favorite Moments

2009-03-13T09:46:00.003-04:00

As an HU alum and a big Lady Forester fan, I thought the team would be encouraged to hear how fans not in Sioux City are cheering them on, enjoying their success and experiencing the tournament from afar. So here's Chris Smith's Top Ten List of things I most enjoyed about watching the tournament opener via web cam:

10. Watching the game broadcast on my living room wall via my Dell Projector -- it made Lauren Davenport look 6'2"!
9. Seeing the HU bench so enthusiastically cheering on teammates
8. Celebrating the fantastic contributions of HU's freshmen to this truly special team
7. Texting and emailing other HU fans across the state, in Sioux City and in other vast reaches of the globe throughout the game with updates and shared cyber fist pumps at every thrilling moment.
6. Observing all the HU administrators present in Sioux City (makes you wonder, who's minding the University? :) )
5. Hearing the web announcer repeatedly refer to our Huntington team as "the Davenport." I'm sure he was confusing us with today's opponent (Davenport University), but it was a fitting tribute to "the Davenport's" leadership on this year's squad and yesterday's tremendous 19 point dominating performance by Lauren.
4. Proudly wearing my HU Women's Basketball sweatshirt to work this morning and bragging on the team to anyone who makes the mistake of asking me why I'm dressed so casually today!
3. Celebrating a sweet victory for our coach and friend, Lori Culler. It's been 15 years since one of her teams has been to the tournament. I couldn't help but thank God for the blessing of a coach who has faithfully persevered through winning seasons and losing seasons to invest richly in the lives of so many young women. Yesterday was a fitting reward for a life well lived and wisely invested.
2. Lauren Davenport achieving her 1,000 career point. The text messages were flying Lauren when you hit that 6th point to reach 1,000. And you were just getting started!
1. For me, the BEST moment was the huge, beautiful smile on Ryleigh Carr's face throughout the entire game (and especially during the last 9 seconds). Ryleigh, your smile captured what it's all about -- competing well, enjoying yourself in the process and celebrating life's precious moments. This fan smiles with you.

Congratulations ladies! Enjoy yourselves today and Go Foresters!

Forester women win tourney opener (Journal-Gazette)

2009-03-13T09:30:00.002-04:00

"It still seems so surreal; … we haven’t been here in such a long time,” said Foresters coach Lori Culler, whose team last played in the tourney in 1994.

“With this group of kids, we felt we had something special. They have such a competitive nature, and they’re tough, hard-nosed players.”

Read the full story in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette

Davenport hits 1,000th point

2009-03-13T03:18:00.002-04:00

Huntington University senior Lauren Davenport scored her 1,000th point during the Foresters’ first-round game in the Division II National Tournament of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Thursday, Huntington defeated the Jamestown College Jimmies 64-54 and advanced to a second-round game at 3:30 p.m. (CST) today against Davenport University of Grand Rapids, Mich. Read the full story >>

How do Foresters celebrate?

2009-03-13T02:10:00.003-04:00

With BBQ, of course! The team, HU staff and administrators, as well as family and friends ate a hearty meal at Famous Dave's to celebrate the sweet taste of victory. Check out a photo gallery of the postgame celebration >>

Making the magic happen

2009-03-13T01:34:00.007-04:00

The Foresters defeated Jamestown College by doing what they do best -- playing with heart and intensity. This team knows how to play as a team, an art lost in an era of superstars. Something special happens when these women hit the court. Call it chemistry; call it magic, but whatever it is, they have it, and it works. Check out photo highlights of their first-round victory >>

Read the game summary >>

Playing with heart

2009-03-13T00:14:00.003-04:00

I must say that our ladies played their hearts out today! It was so great how into the game everyone was! I was even yelling the right things from the bench like 'SHOT', 'help', and 'watch for the three'. For some that may seem trivial, but for me that was quite a big deal. I feel so honored to be a part of this team and have the opportunity to be here at Nationals! It has been a great experience so far, and I hope to stay out here a while longer. I want to congratulate Lauren on her 1,000th point today, as well as the team on their sweet sixteen spot! Don't forget to keep us in your prayers everybody!

Backstage Pass

2009-03-12T23:54:00.004-04:00

Want to know how the Foresters prepared for their big win against Jamestown? Go behind the scenes with the team >>

Foresters on WANE TV

2009-03-12T23:29:00.002-04:00

WANE TV featured the Foresters on tonight's newscast. Click here to read the story >>

Foresters on Indiana's News Center

2009-03-12T23:24:00.003-04:00

Dean Pantazi featured the Foresters tonight on Indiana's News Center. Click here to read the story >>

Huntington beats Jamestown 64-54

2009-03-12T18:29:00.002-04:00

The Huntington University Foresters defeated Jamestown College (N.D.) 64-54 in the first round of play in the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa. The Foresters will face Davenport University (Mich.) in the second round of the tournament at 3:30 p.m. (CST) tomorrow. Click here for game recap, box scores and statistics.

First Round game delayed

2009-03-12T16:41:00.001-04:00

The game previous to the Huntington University game ran into overtime so the HU game will be delayed by approximately 10-15 minutes.

Foresters face Jamestown today

2009-03-12T15:01:00.000-04:00

I just received a note that the Foresters are heading to the gym now to prepare for their first NAIA National Tournament game against Jamestown (ND). Tip-off is at 3:30 Central, 4:30 Eastern.

To follow the game, click this link then choose the free Live Stats or subscribe to the video.

Foresters volunteer at Boys and Girls Home

2009-03-12T14:37:00.000-04:00

Today the Huntington University women’s basketball team volunteered at the Boys and Girls Home and Family Services, Inc., of Sioux City, Iowa. The team is in Sioux City for the Division II National Tournament of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Foresters held a clinic for 25 children in grades first through twelfth from the Boys and Girls Home in Sioux City. The team divided up into five stations to teach basketball skills as well as the core values of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program. The values include respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. Click here for the full story and more photos >>

Foresters on Indiana's News Center

2009-03-12T10:31:00.000-04:00

Dean Pantazi featured the Foresters last night on Indiana's News Center. Click here to watch the story >>

Opening Ceremonies

2009-03-12T02:15:00.000-04:00

The Foresters participated in the NAIA Div-II National Tournament's Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday. The 32 participating teams spelled out "NAIA" on the gym floor during the Parade of Champions. Following the ceremonies, the teams exchanged gifts with their first opponents in the tournament. Click here for a photo gallery of the opening ceremonies >>

Second practice in Sioux City

2009-03-12T01:52:00.000-04:00

The Foresters had their second practice in Sioux City on Wednesday at Morningside College. Click here for a photo gallery of the practice >>

Sweet Fanny's

2009-03-12T01:32:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, the Foresters were treated to lunch by Iowa-Nebraska State Bank, their team sponsor for the national tournament. Honorary coaches and bank employees, Kathy Spohr and Heather Stauber, invited the team to Sweet Fanny's. One of the bank's executive vice presidents, Randall Lanning, also joined the group. Sweet Fanny's proved to be a Sioux City gem. The team enjoyed a delicious lunch, and ever the fierce competitor, Coach Culler proved she was up to the challenge of the "Fanny Burger."

Thanks to Iowa-Nebraska State Bank for sponsoring the Foresters!

Taking in some games

2009-03-12T01:21:00.000-04:00

The Foresters took in three games on the first day of the NAIA Div-II National Tournament: Taylor vs. Concordia (Neb.) (winner: Concordia), Bethel vs. Cedarville (winner: Bethel) and Aquinas vs. Kansas Wesleyan (winner: Kansas Wesleyan). The team was joined by HU alum and former women's basketball player, Betsey Bean.

Fans Carbo-load in preparation for the big game

2009-03-11T23:27:00.000-04:00

Even though I arrived only a few hours ago, I was immediately able to get into the swing of things by gorging on snacks in the room and then heading to Famous Dave's for bar-b-que. With the help of other HU staffers, I was able to make it back to the hotel to look at the exercise room and swimming pool. But, hey, I'm saving my energy for the Big Game tomorrow!

Let's play ball!

2009-03-11T21:47:00.001-04:00

I have to say there aren't too many places more fun the Sioux City, Iowa! I mean, all the sights to see, and the weather is fantastic! But seriously, all us girls are having a good time on this trip. I think we are all ready to start playing some basketball, especially after seeing some fellow MCC teams on the court today. I can already tell we are going to be telling stories about this trip long after we get back to Huntington!

Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette feature story

2009-03-11T08:53:00.000-04:00

"Ask Lori Culler where the magic came from and the coach doesn't know where to look, doesn't know where to begin. So perhaps it's because there is no one star -- rather a constellation -- that is the secret behind Huntington University's impressive run to the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship tournament..." Read the full story >>

Worship Service and Banquet

2009-03-11T02:20:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, the Foresters took part in a worship service organized by various Christ-centered colleges in the NAIA. The team's own Brittney Bateman shared her testimony as a part of the service.

Following the worship service, the Foresters attended the NAIA banquet. At the banquet, Lauren Davenport was recognized as an NAIA Champion of Character.

On a lighter note, Sarah Miller and Ebony Robinson showed off their moves and singing abilities during the post-banquet entertainment.

Click here for photos of the worship service and the banquet >>

First practice in Sioux City, Iowa

2009-03-11T01:38:00.001-04:00

The Foresters had their first practice in Sioux City on Tuesday.
Click here for a photo gallery of the practice >>

Basketball clinic for Sioux City children

2009-03-11T01:04:00.001-04:00

As Lauren Davenport said, the Foresters were supposed to assist with a clinic for the Special Olympics.

Unfortunately, because of bad weather, only a few of the participants in the Special Olympics came. The Foresters were able to work with another group, though -- children from the Boys and Girls Home of Sioux City. The team shots baskets with the children and played a game of "knockout" with them.

Check out the complete photo gallery >>

Bonding..

2009-03-11T01:04:00.000-04:00

What a trip! On a 12 hour bus ride, it is amazing the things you begin to come up with to keep busy. We left the gym at 8:00 AM Monday morning and arrived in Iowa around 8:00 PM. The trip in the Possum (our bus) began with most everyone sleeping. It soon turned into i-pods, hair braiding, dvds, computers, cards, loud singing, conversation, pictures, and lots of food!! The trip was long, but fun at the same time. There never seems to be a dull moment with our team, which is why the trip seemed to go by fast. I am so thankful for each person who is a part of this team! It is getting late and I don't know if coach will see this, so I had better get to bed :) Night.

2009-03-10T23:54:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,
So we arrived safely in Sioux City, Iowa last night. Seems we left the nice weather back in Indiana as today brought a wintery mix of freezing rain and snow. This morning we had the opportunity to participate in a Special Olympics basketball clinic. Unfortunately the bad weather kept most of the kids away.
Tonight was the opening banquet. We were able to meet and have dinner with our honorary coaches. They left some sweet goodie bags for us at the hotel desk! I would have to say the highlight of the night came during the entertainment portion of the program when Sarah got up on her chair and started dancing! Sarah and Ebony then decided to join the singer and lots of other girls on stage to sing and dance (it was a choreographed dance of course). I’m really enjoying being here with the team and am ready to start playing!

Live video from NAIA National Tournament

2009-03-10T12:25:00.000-04:00

JumpTV is the exclusive provider of live video and audio-streaming at the NAIA National Championship. JumpTV will stream the first 30 games of the championships. These events can be viewed by going to www.watchnaia.com. The National Championship Game will air live nationwide on CBS College Sports.

Foresters compete in NAIA National Tournament

2009-03-10T12:20:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to the Huntington University women's basketball team, competing this week in the NAIA Div-II National Tournament.

For details on the Foresters' fabulous 2008-2009 season, including photos and game summaries, please see www.huntington.edu/athletics/wbasketball.