The road to a bid to nationals begins at home for the Iowa Central women.
The Tritons (11-8 overall) host Southeastern (4-18) here Tuesday night in a Region XI-B Tournament semifinal inside Hodges Fieldhouse. Tip is set for 5 p.m.
After putting together a seven-game win streak, Iowa Central pushed Kirkwood to the distance in the regular season finale, coming up just short, 68-59. Sophomore Isabell West recorded her 24th career double-double with 13 points and 19 rebounds.
West, who has committed to Div. I Murray State, leads the Tritons in scoring (18.9 points) and rebounding (13.5) with Nevaeh Galloway second at 11.4 points and over eight boards. Carley West averages just under 11 points per game.
The Tritons won three of their last four at home, winning all three by double digits including an 80-65 victory over Southeastern.
Southeastern lost both games to Iowa Central during the regular season and is coming off a setback to Des Moines Area. Antuanae Garrett leads the team in scoring at almost 12 points per game with Michenna Davis and Chainee Hall adding 10 each.
The winner between Iowa Central and Southeastern faces either Des Moines Area or North Iowa Area on Saturday for the championship. The highest-remaining seed will host, with that winner moving into the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament, which takes place April 20-24 in Port Huron, Michigan.
-By Dana Becker