PITTSBURGH, Pa. (March 24, 2025) – Fifth-seeded No. 10 Lubbock Christian University saw its NCAA Division II tournament run come to an end in the Elite Eight quarterfinals, as fourth-seeded No. 6 Pittsburg State pulled away late for a 66-55 victory Monday night at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The Gorillas (33-3) outscored LCU 20-14 in the final period to secure a spot in the Final Four, ending LCU's fifth trip to the Elite Eight.
Despite a 23-point effort from Grace Foster, Lubbock Christian (32-5) struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 3-of-18 (16.7%) three-point attempts. Foster added five rebounds and five assists while playing all but one minute. Maci Maddox and Audrey Robertson each chipped in 11 points, with Maddox dishing out five assists and Robertson pulling down six rebounds. However, the Lady Chaps were held to just 41.1% shooting overall and were out-rebounded 40-28.
Pittsburg State's inside presence proved pivotal, led by Karenna Gerber's 24-point, 12-rebound double-double. Grace Pyle added 16 points and six assists, while Maycee James contributed 11 points, including a key three-pointer to halt a late third-quarter LCU surge.
How It Happened
Lubbock Christian jumped out to an early 5-0 lead behind a three-pointer from Foster, but Pittsburg State responded quickly, using a 17-6 run to close the first quarter with a 17-11 advantage. Gerber set the tone early, scoring six of her 24 points in the opening frame, while the Gorillas forced five LCU turnovers in the period. Foster led LCU with five points in the frame.
The Lady Chaps bounced back in the second quarter, shooting a blistering 69.2% (9-of-13) from the field. Foster (8) and Maddox (6) combined for 14 points in the period, and LCU cut their deficit to one point on four occasions in the quarter. However, Pittsburg State took a 31-29 halftime advantage despite LCU getting 13 points in the half from Foster.
The third quarter saw both teams trade blows, with LCU struggling from deep but staying within striking distance. Foster, despite going 1-of-10 from beyond the arc for the game, remained aggressive, finishing strong at the rim to keep the Lady Chaps close. She posted five points in the quarter and Pittsburg State led 46-41 entering the final frame.
Pittsburg State pulled away for good in the fourth, using a 7-2 spurt to push its lead to double digits. Pyle and Gerber combined for 11 points in the quarter, and the Gorillas sealed the game at the free-throw line, hitting 7-of-8 from the stripe in the final four minutes. Lubbock Christian, meanwhile, went just 1-of-8 from three-point range in the period, struggling to mount a late rally. PSU had a 12-5 rebound advantage as well in the frame.
Game Notes
» Grace Foster, Audrey Robertson, and Maci Maddox combined to account for 82 percent of the Lady Chaps points. They all had their milestone marked careers come to a close. Foster closed her career with 2,056 career points. Robertson, who closed the season actively leading the NCAA with 158 career games (two away from the career NCAA record) and 1,407 career points. Maddox closes the books with 1,304 career points.
» The Lady Chaps were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, recording five blocks as a team (two by Robertson).
» Grace Foster led the Lady Chaps with 23 points and closed with 2,056 in her career, but she also leaves LCU ranking first all-time in career field goal attempts (1,427), career field goals made (680), second in free-throw percentage (.892), third in rebounds (896) and free-throws made (495), fifth in blocks (158) and free-throws attempted (555). For this season, Foster's 746 smashed LCU's single-season record. She also set single-season records with 242 field goals and 181 free-throws made and third in three-pointers made (81). She closed the season 27-of-27 from the line in the NCAA postseason and 41-of-41 over the final six games played on the season.
» With five assists, Maci Maddox closed her career with 455 assists, ranking third all-time in program history.
» Seniors Reece Schumann and Audrey Spurgin also had their careers come to a close with their final game played. Schumann appeared in her 113th career game and wrapped up with 479 career rebounds, 93 blocks and 492 points. Spurgin played in her 109th career game and contributed 215 career rebounds and 302 career points.
» LCU and Pitt State were meeting for the first time ever in program history.
» The 2025 Elite Eight marked LCU's fifth all-time appearance into the NCAA Div. II's final-site event (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2025) and the game marked their first-ever game played in Pennsylvania.
» LCU dropped to 27-5 all-time in NCAA postseason play and 8-2 in Elite Eight contests (both loses have been quarterfinal losses to MIAA programs).
