Jimmies Enjoy Their Time at Nationals

The Jamestown College women's basketball team enjoyed everything about their trip to Sioux City, IA. The attached pictures are from the NAIA Banquet, which had a Mardi Gras theme and prior to the line-up of the Parade of Champions.

Jimmies season comes to a close at Sioux City

Jamestown College ended it's season with a 64-54 loss to Huntington University in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Jimmies season ended with a record of 20 wins and 10 losses. JC could never quite get on track against a very determined Huntington team. Even though JC struggled to find its rhythm, they were always within striking distance, but could never quite get over the hump. Part of the problem was the Jimmies shooting percentage as they connected on a disappointing 27% for the game, including 4 of 25 from the three point line.

Even though the season ended prematurely, the Jimmies had many accomplishments throughout the season even though they were written off by many after injuries to three starters. The Jimmies won 20 games for the first time since 1999-2000 and made their first appearance in the National Tournament since 1999-2000. With the experience they gained throughout the season, a National Tournament birth, and all starters returning with the exception of First Team All-Conference performer, Heidi Fiechtner, the future looks very bright. The Jimmies know they can't sit back and relax as the DAC returns a very deep and experienced conference next season. Coach Wiest says, "There is a lot of work to be done this off-season if we expect to contend for our conference championship and make a return trip back to Nationals. We all want to build on this success, but it will require a lot of work, determination, and sacrifices. We definitely have the talent and experience, but we need to have a lot of drive and motivation to get the job done. As far as I'm concerned, none of us were happy with the way our season ended and we all feel we have goals not accomplished yet. Look for us to build on what we did and take another step forward."

On to Sioux City for JC

Amanda Rantapaa leads the Jimmies to Sioux City, IA.

The Jamestown College women's basketball team advances to NAIA National Tournament.

For more on the article, visit: http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=81469&section=sports

Two Jimmies Earn All-Conference

Freshman, Mara Paulson Senior Heidi Fiechtner

Jamestown College Women's Basketball Senior Heidi Fiechtner was named to the DAC All-Conference first team. Heidi was very instrumental in leading the Jimmies to 20 wins and a third place finish in the DAC. Heidi set career highs with a 13 ppg average along with 6.9 rpg. She currently has 338 points and 179 rebounds on the season. She also shot 56.7% from the field and 67.9% from the free throw line.

Freshman Mara Paulson was named the DAC's Freshman of the Year and she was also named to the DAC All-Conference second team. Mara led all DAC freshman with 12.4 ppg and 6.3 rpg. These numbers were only behind Heidi Fiechtner's season stats for the Jimmies. For the season, Mara scored 336 points and grabbed 169 rebounds. She shot 46.5% from the field, 39.1% from the 3 point line, and 72% from the free throw line.

#21 Jimmies Earn At-Large Bid, Move on to Sioux City

Jimmies return to Sioux City, IA for Nationals. In the background is the site of the 2009 National Tournament.

The Jamestown College Women's Basketball team had to wait patiently for the last 6 days, but it definitely paid off. The Jimmies received an at-large bid today to the NAIA 32 Team National Tournament at Sioux City, IA. The Jimmies now wait to hear what seed they are and who they will play, which will be released on Thursday.
The Jimmies currently 20-9, make their first trip to the National Tournament as a member of the DAC conference. This is the first time since 1999-2000 that the Jimmies move onto the National Tournament. This is also the first year since 1999-2000 that the Jimmies won 20 games.
The Jimmies have persevered all season, including 2 season ending injuries to 2008 All-Conference performers Giuli Varriano and Cori Doubek before the season started. Then, shortly before Christmas, the Jimmies lost starting guard, Katie O'Neill to a season ending injury. Credit to the girls, the Jimmies hung tough, different players stepped up, and they found ways to win.
The Jimmies are especially happy for Senior Heidi Fiechtner. Heidi, who was just named First Team All-Conference has been a major player all season for the Jimmies. Juniors Ali Edwards, Amanda Rantapaa, and Allison Epping have all provided highlights throughout season along with a number of other players.