Northwest Nazarene University Athletics

The 1996-97 NNU Women’s Basketball Team finished the season 27-7 overall and 10-2 in Cascade Collegiate Conference play.  The team defeated Western Baptist College 71-58 on March 3, 1997 to capture the CCC Championship and the automatic berth in the NAIA Division II National Tournament.  Facing Dominican College in the 1st round, Erica Walton scored 20 points to lead the Crusaders to a 98-48 blowout victory to open tournament play on March 12th.  With a day of rest the Crusaders faced Austin College.  Ellen Duncan scored 20 points and the Crusaders edged Austin 74-72 in what would be the closest game of the tournament for NNU.  St Francis College was the Crusaders’ 3rd round victim, falling 97-76 to the Crusaders, led by Kari Smith’s 23 points.  Doane College was the target in the National semi-finals.  Erica Walton again led the NNU attack with 26 points to help produce an 86-80 victory and a berth in the National Championship game.  Facing Black Hills State on March 18th, the Crusaders’ Staci Wilson produced a double-double performance of 22 points and 13 rebounds enabling NNU to capture their 1st National Championship with a 64-46 victory.

National Honors went to Roger Schmidt, name the 1996-97 NAIA National Women’s Coach of the Year.  Additionally, Erica Walton was named the NAIA National Tournament MVP, 1st-Team All-Tournament team member and an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.  Erica Averaged 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.  Kari Smith was named to the NAIA National Tournament 1st Team All-Tournament Team and an NAIA 3rd-Team All-American.  Kari averaged 14.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.