SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
The Pittsburg State University women's basketball team came from behind to win the Central Region title on Monday evening at John Lance Arena over Southwest Minnesota State, 85-82.
The Gorillas punch their ticket into the NCAA Division II Elite Eight on March 24 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The two leading scorers for the Gorillas each hail from the Hutch Post area. Halstead High School alum Karenna Gerber went off for a game-high 34 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes of action. She was named the eight-team regional's Most Outstanding Player. Gerber helped block and secure the final shot of the game, a 3-point attempt that would have tied the game.
McPherson High School alum Grace Pyle scored 20 points to go along with six rebounds and team-high five assists.
Gerber has started all 35 games, averaging a team-high 17.2 points and 8.3 rebounds. Pyle has started all 35 games and is averaging 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
The Gorillas are 32-3 on the season and finished 18-1 in the MIAA, claiming the regular season and tournament titles.