Both teams came into the first game of the NAIA  National Championship seeking to get past the first round. The Loyola Wolf Pack had the chance to advance in the tournament for the second straight season.

The game was a defensive slug fest throughout, with the Pack shooting just 35 percent from the field and 35 percent from three point range. The Master’s College also shot a dismal 35 percent but hit 8-of-17 threes in the game. The Pack also forced the Mustang’s to commit 14 turnovers in the ball game, while the Pack committed 11 of their own.

Both teams were knotted at 57 heading into the final seconds of the fourth quarter. The Mustangs would score off of a floater by Bianca Cubello to give her team the edge. The Pack was unable to respond, and fell to the Mustangs 59-57.

The Pack was led by Kylah Jones and SSAC tournament MVP Caroline Gonzalez with 14 points. Meghan Temple collected seven rebounds and Zoie Miller added five assist in the loss.

The Pack finish the season at 23-8, just four wins shy of the 27-4 record from last season.