Another thrilling run through the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament finally came to an end for IUP Wednesday night in Columbus, Ohio.

The Crimson Hawks were stopped in the Final Four for the second straight year as Southwestern Oklahoma used a strong fourth quarter to register a 66-57 victory at Old Dominican’s Alumni Hall.

IUP, seeded third in the Elite Eight, ends another season that oozed with March Madness at 30-4.

The No. 2 Bulldogs (35-1) outscored IUP in the fourth, 21-8.

IUP took a 49-45 lead into the final quarter. Back-to-back 3-pointers by the Bulldogs put them ahead 53-51 and they never trailed again.

Senior Carolyn Appleby (Greensburg Central Catholic), who played through a leg injury she sustained early in the game, led IUP with 13 points. Senior Brittany Robinson and redshirt sophomore Courtney Alexander (OLSH) each scored 12 in the loss.

Alexander made four 3-pointers.

Forward Bethany Franks led Southwestern Oklahoma with 14 points and 12 rebounds, making 6 of 12 shots in 40 minutes. Hayden Pritty added 13 points and Hailey Tucker had 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The Bulldogs shot just 36 percent from the field but made 13 of 16 free throws and 9 3-pointers.

The Bulldogs held a 45-32 edge in rebounds.

“It’s hard to see it come to an end. I’m grateful … it hurts but I’m grateful.”

Just a few of Coach’s words from his heartfelt opening statement ? pic.twitter.com/PH4sbSCiUQ

— IUP Women’s Basketball (@IUP_WBB) March 28, 2019

Carolyn Appleby has provided all kinds of GRIT for @IUP_WBB.

What an inspired performance to fight through adversity. pic.twitter.com/XH8OZGQcAn

— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) March 27, 2019

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