FLINT (MI) - For just the fourth time ever, and the third time in the last four years (the other time being the 2017-2018 season), the Marian University Ancilla Women's Basketball program made it to the NJCAA Region 12 Great Lakes District Tournament at Mott Community College. This year they were tasked with facing the 14th ranked Mid Michigan Lakers. The Lakers utilized a strong second quarter to separate from the Chargers, then made free throws down the stretch, on their way to a 73-59 victory, thus ending Marian Ancilla's 2025-2026 season.
It was a highly competitive contest, and the Chargers made runs throughout. Trailing 16-10 in the first quarter, Marian Ancilla battled back and trimmed the lead to 19-18 by the end of the first 10 minutes. Sophomore guard Ciara Bonner hit a pair of big 3-pointers to keep it close.
The second quarter was ultimately the downfall for the Chargers, as they lost the period 21-10 and trailed 40-28 at the half. Bonner hit yet another 3-pointer, and Freshman forward Emma Nelson hit a couple of big shots late in the half as well to keep MUAC afloat.
Early in the third quarter, the Chargers seemed to stumble just a bit, as they got down by as many as 20 points before the first media timeout. However, a quick rally helped them to cut it to just 14 points midway through the quarter, and thanks to spirited play by Sophomore forward Santana Eubanks, they were able to get it back to a 12-point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Marian Ancilla once again found themselves in a tough spot, now trailing by 16 points. But the fight would continue, as twice they cut it to 12 points, then eventually 10 points, then 9, but they just ran out of time. With several players playing through the pains of a long season, there was nothing to be ashamed of, as they went head-to-head with one of the nation's better teams, refusing to give in, and competing through the final seconds.
Eubanks was tremendous in the second half, especially during the third quarter. She finished with 31 points, 15 rebounds (9 offensive rebounds), 4 assists, 3 steals, and a blocked shot. Bonner added 9 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, while Nelson contributed 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a solid defensive effort against two opponents a few inches taller than herself.
The entire Marian Ancilla community would like to take the time to thank Sophomores Santana Eubanks, Ciara Bonner, Annika Davis, Aaliyah Keil, Ga'Naysia White, Audri Prater, Torie Davis, and Kaelyn Ortiz-Vaudt for their time and commitment to the Women's Basketball program these past two years. We are extremely proud of you and thankful for your representation of MUAC, and we wish you nothing but success in your futures!!
