ST. PAUL, Minn - Northwestern hosted Trinity International University in Friday night's game for UNW's first game of the NCCAA National Tournament.
 
Northwestern started the first quarter with a jumper from Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy) assisted by Courtney Schmidt (Spring Valley, Minn./Kingsland). The Eagles went back and forth with the Trojans. UNW's biggest lead in the first quarter was five after a bucket from behind the arc by Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian). Northwestern netted six points off of Trinity turnovers and three fast break points. The Eagles ended the quarter up 16-14.
 
The second quarter began with an electric steal by Jordan Sauve (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) assisting an and-one fast break layup by Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian). DeKam made her free throw and Northwestern continued to gain the lead. Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian) was on fire as she followed this play with another layup and then a three assisted by Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy). The team showed great play as they led by 13 halfway through the quarter and finished the second quarter up 33-24.
 
The Eagles scored 14 points off of Trinity turnovers in just the first two quarters. They showcased great shooting being 100 percent from the free throw line in the first quarter and 60 percent in the second quarter.
 
Northwestern came out hot in the third starting with a bucket from behind the arc by Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./La qui Parle Valley). This was followed by a steal and fast break layup from Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy). With two minutes to go, Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian) steals the ball and shoots a beautiful jumper putting the Eagles up 13 points. UNW ends the third quarter up eight points 48-40 as Trinity fights to get back into the game.
 
The fourth quarter started with a layup from Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./La qui Parle Valley) that she soon followed with a three assisted by Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy). Immediately after, Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian) steals the ball into another fast break layup for the Eagles. Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian) continued to light up the floor as she netted a three putting the Eagles up 13 points, their highest lead of the quarter. The fourth quarter ended with a bucket from Jordan Sauve (Blaine, Minn./Blaine) finishing this well fought game 66-56.
 
Brooklyn DeKam (Edgerton, Minn./Southwest MN Christian) led the team in scoring with a career high of 31 points, five steals and four rebounds. Kelsea Lund (Madison, Minn./La qui Parle Valley) finished with 16 points, three steals and six rebounds. Megan Roberts (Greeley, Colo./Dayspring Christian Academy) netted 14 points, stole three balls, had one blocked shot and six rebounds.
 
The Lady Eagles will advance in the NCCAA Tournament in Winona Lake, Indiana next week, time and rival to be determined.
 
For all things UNW women's basketball fans can follow along at www.unweagles.com or on Twitter and Instagram at @unwwbb.