Since a pair of opening losses to start the 2023-24 season, the Roadrunner Women's Basketball team has compiled a 21-game win streak, resulting in a region crown and a berth in the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
The Runners hope their magical ride will not end any time soon as they open play Wednesday, March 13th in the 12-team championship tournament at Rochester (Minnesota) Regional Sports Center, March 13-16.
The Roadrunners, with a 21-2 overall record, enter the tournament as Region 19 champions and the No. 10 seed. Coach Rich Cooper's team is currently riding a 21-game win streak, including their Region title win over Camden County College on March 2. They will play Region 3 champion Jefferson Community College (NY) (23-3 overall), the No. 7 seed. Tip-off is 5:00 EST.
"We're excited and we'll be ready for our first-round opponent," said Cooper, who will be competing in his third National Championship Tournament of his coaching career. "Every team brings something to the table, so we need to step up our play."
Coach Cooper and returning players, including guards Destiny Hines, Faith Rosa and Jonaysia Clark along with forward Maxine Ampofo, have never faced Jefferson CC, but that does not matter according to All-Region forward Maxine Ampofo, who helped the Runners play one of their top games of the season in the Region 19 title win over Camden County.
"We need to bring our 'A' game no matter who we play." she said. "Every team who qualifies for the national tournament deserves to be there. Every game will be a battle."
See tournament information below and check back for results here at rcroadrunners.com.
NJCAA Division III National Championships
@ Regional Sports Center, Rochester, MN
First-Round Games
Wednesday, March 13
No. 9 Rhode Island vs. No. 8 Prince George's (1 pm EST)
No. 12 Nassau vs. No. 5 Northland (3 pm EST)
No. 10 RCSJ Gloucester vs. No. 7 Jefferson (NY) (5 pm EST)
No. 11 Monroe College-Bronx vs. 6 Dallas College - Cedar Valley (7 pm EST)
Follow Championship Results Here
https://www.njcaa.org/sports/wbkb/2023-24/div3/national_championship/National_Championship_Results
Click Below for Roadrunne Women's Basketball Roster
https://rcroadrunners.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/roster