Kirkwood women’s basketball headed back to national tournament

CEDAR RAPIDS — After trailing Iowa Western by a point at the end of Sunday's opening quarter of the NJCAA D-II Region XI championship game at Johnson Hall, the No. 1-ranked Kirkwood women's basketball team outpaced the Reivers 18-8 in the second quarter to take the lead for good en route to a 65-44 victory.

“We start to panic if we get it close,” sophomore Tasia Jordan said. “We know we have to keep our energy up.”

Jordan grew up on the west side of Chicago with her parents Tommy and Beverly embracing her rambunctiousness by starting their daughter in soccer in second grade before adding softball, basketball and track.

“I kept picking up sports,” Jordan said. “My energy and personality comes from (my parents). I'm a little mini-me of them.”

After originally looking at schools in Illinois, Jordan decided to start with two years at Kirkwood.

“I came in as an underdog so I knew I had to get used to what they were doing and learn my place,” Jordan said. “I was able to catch on quickly and I ended up staying here and liking it.”

While Jordan admits she expected empty landscapes as she ventured into Iowa for the first time, she has found a unique love for a Cedar Rapids landmark.

“I like Mount Trashmore. It's a good view and the climb is a little tiring but it's a good energy burner,” Jordan said. “When you get to the top you can take nice pictures. We barely have mountains in the city back home so I'll take what I can get.”

Now the Eagles get a few days to breathe before preparing for the national tournament in Port Huron, Mich., that takes place March 15-19.

“I feel good but I know the relief is going to go away tomorrow,” Jordan said. “I realized how much it matters to those returning players. We want to be able to go to nationals and win it.”

Once the season concludes, Jordan believes the Eagles will reflect positively regardless of the outcome.

“We don't have to win it all because overall we're already a successful team,” Jordan said. “Both collectively and individually.”

While Jordan and the Eagles cut down nets and celebrated with their families, three Kirkwood sophomores were named to the D-II Region XI all-tournament team. Karsyn Stratton, Kortney Drake and Ashley Tull joined Carley West of Iowa Central along with Ruba Abo Hashesh and Courtney Fields of Iowa Western.