FRANKFORT, Ky. – Shawnee State (Ohio) won the first game of the 2012 NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship presented by Kentuckytourism.com in decisive fashion, 68-47, over William Woods (Mo.). The Bears improve to 2-0 in opening round play and advance to face the winner of Azusa Pacific (Calif.)/MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) on Friday at 9 a.m. The event is held at the Frankfort Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky.

Solid defense and timely shooting was the theme for Shawnee State, who held the Owls to only 26.9 percent (14-of-52) shooting from the field, including a 7-for-18 effort from beyond the arc, while shooting 48.1 percent (26-of-54) on the game.

Alex Pohl posted her team-leading 16th double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Schera Sampson added 15 points and six boards, respectively.

Shawnee State took total control of the contest in the first half, outscoring William Woods, 45-18, in the opening frame. The second half was not much kinder to the Owls, who failed to cut the deficit to less than 19 points.

Sharron Andrews and Ashlee Taylor paced William Woods with seven points each. Taylor also picked up seven boards and three steals in the contest.

With the loss, the Owls finish the season with a 23-10 overall record.

Click here for the full box score.