Lake Land, Parkland Colleges Reach National Tourney; Weis To Play At Maryville

Lake Land College advances to the National Tournament.

Lake Land College and Parkland College both advanced to the NJCAA Division II Women's National Basketball Tournament with automatic bids.

The two squads competed over the weekend in the NJCAA Women's Tournament and advanced to the final rounds Saturday. In Friday action, Lake Land defeated Spoon River, 88-41 while Lincoln Land won over North Central, 68-24, both at Mattoon. In games at East Peoria, Parkland downed John Wood, 70-56 and Illinois Central College defeated Metropolitan, 72-52.

In Saturday play, Lake Land won over North Central, 80-50 at Mattoon while Parkland defeated Illnois Central, 59-40 at East Peoria.

Abby Weis scored 15 points for the Lakers, connecting on four three-pointers in the contest and pulled down four rebounds. Olivia Niemerg had eight points hitting two three-pointers and two free throws.

Area members of the Lake Land College team are Abby Weis (Effingham), Olivia Niemerg (Teutopolis) and Joanna Schultz (Altamont). An area member of the Parkland College squad is Claire Wilhour (St. Elmo/Brownstown).

The National Tournament seedings will be announced today.

Abby Weis (right) announced her commitment to play the next three years of basketball at Maryville University. She will join former Effingham HIgh School teammate Carsyn Fearday (left). "I can't wait to play with such a great group of gals and most importantly, my best friend Carsyn again. Thank you to all of my family, friends, coaches and especially my teammates. I wouldn't be who I am and where I am without you all. So, much love for everyone in my life. Thank you everyone."