WINONA LAKE, Indian. – Senior guard Jessica Angelini led the Redeemer Royals with 21 points, but the #1 seed Mighty Oaks of Oakland City University pulled away after an early charge by the Royals to move on to the next round of the NCCAA Women's Basketball National Championship at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center on the campus of Grace College.

The Mighty Oaks will move on to play host Grace College in semi-final action after the 99-67 first-round victory, while the Royals drop to the consolation side of the bracket and play Southwestern Christian University from Bethany Oklahoma, at 1:45 pm.

Talia Vreugdenhil contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, leading the Royals in the paint and defensively shutting down the Oaks' key post players. Despite a valiant effort from the Royals, they were unable to overcome the challenge posed by the #1 Mighty Oaks. Oakland City's defensive play proved to be a significant factor, as they managed to stifle the Royals' offensive rhythm in the second half.

Mia Palango scored 13 points on the night and continued to lead defensively, forcing four turnovers and disrupting Oakland City's fast-flying offensive flow on multiple occasions.

Head Coach Jesse VanHouwelingen expressed pride in his team's effort despite the loss, acknowledging the challenge of facing the #1 seed. "We gave it everything we had tonight," VanHouwelingen  said. "Unfortunately, we came up short, but I couldn't be prouder of the resilience and determination shown by our ladies."

Altough the Royals' journey in the NCCAA championship bracket may have ended sooner than they had hoped, they will be back on the court in just over twelve hours to vie for the consolation championship, knowing that on this night, they left it all on the hardwood.

Continue to follow all of the NCCAA National Tournament by watching games via the live stream.

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