NWF Seals Sixth FCSAA State/Region VIII Championship

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State women's basketball clinched their sixth NJCAA South Atlantic District Championship, also known as an FCSAA State or Region VIII Championship. They achieved this feat with a hard-fought 63-59 victory over Panhandle Conference rival, Gulf Coast, at Raider Arena on Saturday.

Facing a ten-point deficit in the first half, the Raiders rallied with a strong 6-2 run to close the second quarter. Their momentum carried into the third quarter, where they dominated offensively to secure a ten-point lead heading into the final stretch.

Despite Gulf Coast's late surge, narrowing the gap to just two points in the final moments, Northwest Florida State remained composed. Naveah Scott's crucial free throws extended their lead, and a missed three-pointer by Gulf Coast sealed the victory for the Raiders.

Mya Pierfax led the scoring for the Raiders with 17 points, while Celia Riviere contributed another double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with five assists. Destiney McPhaul showcased her versatility with seven points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Naveah Scott facilitated the offense with a game-high six assists.

Defensively, the Raiders limited Gulf Coast's potent offense to under 60 points, a rare feat this season. They effectively contained Gulf Coast's three-point shooters, aside from Alieghya Bartholomew's five makes, three of which came in the first half. Additionally, Northwest Florida State dominated the boards, out rebounding Gulf Coast by 12.

With the Region VIII title secured, Northwest Florida State has earned an automatic bid to the NJCAA National Tournament in Casper, Wyoming, beginning March 26. As one of the top-five teams in the nation, they are expected to receive one of the top eight seeds, ensuring they avoid the first-round play-in games.