CLINTON – If defense wins championships, then the Co-Lin LadyWolves are well on their way to going back to the National JuniorCollege Athletic Association Tournament. The Lady Wolves produced adecisive 69-53 Wednesday victory over the Northwest Lady Rangers inthe semifinals of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament at MississippiCollege to secure them a spot in the tournament championshipagainst state champion East Central tonight at 6:00.

East Central eliminated Northeast 92-67 last night. In the men’ssemifinals games, Northwest eliminated Pearl River 72-61 andSouthern-Shreveport beat Hinds 64-53. Men’s finals at 8tonight.

“This was a big win for us,” said Co-Lin coaching vet GwynYoung. “Our defense really made things happen today, and that waskey.”

The Lady Wolves (19-8) steam-rolled to a 31-23 halftimeadvantage before Northwest produced a fast and furious scoringrampage in the first five minutes of the second half to cutCo-Lin’s lead of eight to three points, 38-35, with 14:49 left toplay. After a timeout from Coach Young, the Lady Wolves regroupedand defensively changed the game’s whole outlook with steals andblocked shots from freshmen forwards Travalyn Smith and ReneeFields.

The Lady Wolves forced Northwest to turn the ball over eighttimes in the final 11:03. “We made an adjustment defensively and ithelped,” added Young. “Overall I was pleased with our effort, butwe also had way too many turnovers.”

The Lady Wolves committed 19 turnovers to Northwest’s 23. Co-Linalso controlled the boards in the second half with a 17-to-11advantage.

“They did what they had to do to win,” said Northwest women’scoach Don Edwards. “They made the plays down the stretch.”

Edwards received a technical four with 3:02 remaining forauguring about a lane violation call with the officials. Co-Lin led62-49 at the time. The Lady Wolves would go on to outscoreNorthwest 7-2 in the remaining minutes as Fields added thefinishing touches with a lay-up as time expired.

With the win the Lady Wolves find themselves in the sameposition they were facing two years ago under the Golden Dome. The2001 Lady Wolves won the Region 23 Championship, and advanced toNational Tournament in Salina, Kansas.

“We’ve just got to continue to play hard, and stay focused.”continued Young. “Tonight’s game is going to be a big one forsure.”

Leading Young’s Lady Wolves offensively were Fields and Smithwith 14 points apiece. Fields added 11 rebounds, four assists, andone blocked shot. West Lincoln product Dana King added six pointsoff a pair of treys. She also dished out five assists and gatheredtwo steals.

For Northwest, sophomore Nikitia Taylor finished with 13 points,eight boards, and two assists. Freshmen guard Helen Wright added 11points, three assists, and two steals. Sophomore guard MarquitaBarksdale was credited with seven rebounds, six points, threesteals, and three assists.