ALVA, Okla. – In a season of firsts for the Lady Rangers, they can cross getting sized for championship rings off the list.

Northwestern defeated East Central and Arkansas Tech on their way to its first appearance in the Great American Conference championship, and defeated Southeastern in the championship game, 71-64, with Kira Bass leading the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds for her 14^th double-double of the season.

The Lady Rangers title was not only the first for women's basketball, but the first for all sports since joining the GAC in 2012.

"Being the first one in D2 history, it's big showing that we can compete within the conference," said Northwestern President Bo Hannaford. "We've shown that throughout many years in many different sports, but getting a ring to show that is a big thing. I know in the past, I think we won one, but we weren't eligible for it a long time ago. I'm really happy for the young ladies and they played well and this is something that we're happy to do to get them sized up for the rings and we are very appreciative of all the people who donated the money for these rings."

Northwestern finished the season with a 22-10 record, making it the second time since joining Division II that the Lady Rangers won 20 or more games in a season. The Lady Rangers finished second in the GAC regular season standings, making it the first time that they finished in the top three of the conference.

"I think it's really special from where we started 10 years ago to where we are now," said Tasha Diesselhorst, the head coach of the Lady Rangers. "It's this group that was able to get the job done, but the groups before laid the foundation and I think every group that came moved us a little bit further. And so, to finish it with the first championship in school history is something that this team's always going to be remembered for and it's just a testament to our program and to keep working and good things will happen if you just put your head down and go to work."

The conference championship wasn't the only accomplishment of the season, as Bass became the second Lady Ranger in the Division II era to be named an All-American, as she was named to the D2CCA Women's Basketball All-American Third Team. Bass racked up awards throughout the season, winning GAC Player of the Year and being named to the D2CCA Women's Basketball All-Central Region First Team and the ALL-GAC First Team while averaging 20.6 points per game on 48% shooting to lead in the GAC in scoring and place in the top 10 of Division II.

"It was really special," Bass said. "We just put in all our hard work, had to show it off and just got to play together and play as a team and play Lady Ranger basketball."

Bass wasn't the only senior that contributed to the successful season, as Jaida Shipp, Camille Pritchard, Keely Hussey, and Anna Eldridge all helped the Lady Rangers throughout the campaign. For Shipp and Pritchard, winning the GAC title was the highlight of the season.

"This means a lot to me knowing all of our hard work we've put in to this year and getting to see it end in a ring," Pritchard said.

For Hussey and Eldridge, being able to fly to Minnesota a second time for the NCAA Tournament was another exciting moment on the season.

"Winning the conference tournament was special for the program and it was awesome to see all of our hard work from preseason pay off," Eldridge said.

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