This story and photo courtesy of NMU Sports Information. Click the thumbnails to see photos and videos taken by RRN's Casey Ford. Click the AUDIO button to hear post-game comments from Wildcats Coach Casey Thousand.

ALLENDALE, Mich. - For the second straight season, the Northern Michigan women's basketball team secured an NCAA Tournament victory on Friday, downing the Hillsdale Chargers 61-56 in the Midwest Region's 3-6 matchup. The Wildcats advance to the Round of 32 and will take on No. 2 Ashland on Saturday at 5 p.m. in Allendale. 
 

It is the 15th time this season the Green and Gold defense allowed under 60 points. Trailing by as many as six in the opening quarter, NMU got back in it by locking in defensively, allowing just 15 points between the second and third quarters in which the Chargers shot 7-29 (24.1%). The 'Cats never looked back after that. 

"I trusted our defense and I think our team defense in that second and third quarter was really good," said head coach Casey Thousand. "It took heart, energy, and effort today, and we needed a full team effort to get the job done.

As is the case come March, several 'Cats made key contributions throughout the game. Mackenzie Holzwart led the way with 13 points with some key free throws down the stretch. She added eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Alyssa Hill recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Abi Fraaza also pulled down ten rebounds to go along with eight points. It is just the second time this season that two Wildcats reached 10 or more boards.

Alyssa Nimz scored nine points with five rebounds and a team-high three steals while Jacy Weisbrod scored a dozen and Sarah Newcomer blocked three shots. 

The Wildcats shot 21-58 (36.2%) from the field and 7-26 (26.9%) from three. The Chargers were 20-63 (31.7%) overall and 7-33 (21.2%) from deep. After starting 5-6 from beyond the arc, HC missed 21 straight before finally connecting again with a minute to play. They were led by senior Lauren McDonald with 16 points. 

At 23-8, Friday's win is the 15th overall NCAA Tournament win for Northern Michigan, and the 11th in the opening round. The Wildcats will now have a chance to win multiple tourney games for just the fourth time in program history.

The Wildcats will play Ashland on Saturday at 5 p.m., with the winner advancing to the Sweet 16. Ashland defeated Ferris State 62-50 in the opening round.