SALINA, Kan. — The Chipola Lady Indians were encouraged by avocal group of followers Saturday in the consolation round of theNJCAA Basketball Tournament.

They also got a big game from forward C.J. Pace and RaShawnaSippio who scored 17 and 13 points respectively, leading Chipola toa 73-59 victory over the Co-Lin Lady Wolves.

Chipola (30-7) finished fifth and Co-Lin (30-5) settled forsixth in the week-long, double-elimination tournament. It was thebest showing for the Lady Wolves since 1989 when they placedfourth.

Co-Lin coach Gwyn Young says his team was exhausted afterplaying 4 games in 5 days, mentally and physically.

“We were drained. Nikki (Williams) has had to play a lot ofminutes this week.” She was held to 4 points.

Williams drew extra coverage from opponents after scoring atournament-high 32 points in the opening-round win over Jefferson,Mo.

“We didn’t have our A game and Chipola has a good team,” saidYoung. “They handled us.”

Young is in his 30th year at the helm and this was his fifthtime to take Co-Lin to the national tournament.

CO-Lin got a game-high 10 points from sophomore guard WhitneyScott.

“We didn’t come ready to play,” said Co-Lin guard Hanna Porter.”We didn’t have much energy. Sixth place is still good.”

Porter is one of 5 Co-Lin sophomores in the starting lineup.

The Indians went on the warpath early in the game. They sprangto a 13-4 lead, hitting their first 5 field goals. They sacked 57percent of their first half field goals attempts.

Chipola coach David Lane credited his team’s hustle and highenergy level to fan support. The Chipola men were playing for thenational championship at Hutchinson, 50-miles away Saturdaynight.

“A big thing that helped carry us through was fan support,” saidLane. “They helped us play hard.

“It is difficult playing hard after you lose your first game outhere. You want to win the championship.”

Central Arizona played Odessa, Texas, in the women’s title gameSaturday night.

Down by 15 points, 41-26, at halftime, the Wolves made a comeback early in the second half. They scored the first 6 points ofthe second half . When Scott scored on an inbounds play, Co-Lintrailed 41-32.

The Indians, from Marinna, Fla., worked inside for rebounds andpoints. They sacked 5 second-half treys to keep the Wolves atbay.

Due to illness, Co-Lin center Erica Trahan was not at fullspeed. Friday night’s star played 10 minutes and was limited to 6points and 3 rebounds.

Williams echoed the feeling of her teammates. “We were wornout.”