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LC State Women's Basketball Advances to NAIA National Tournament
Warriors punch ticket to Sioux City after defeating Montana Tech in regional final
Mar. 15, 2026 at 8:12pm
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The fourth-seeded No. 17 LC State Women's Basketball team defeated fifth-seeded No. 15 Montana Tech 79-67 to punch its ticket to the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship in Sioux City, Iowa. Sitara Byrd led the way with a double-double of 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Payton Hymas added 20 points and Kendall Wallace scored 17 points.
Why it matters
This marks the eighth time LC State has advanced to the NAIA national tournament, but the first time under head coach Caelyn Orlandi, who is making her debut as a head coach at the final site. The Warriors will face a tough test in the Round of 16 against No. 3 Bethel (Tenn.), who they last faced in the 2017 national tournament.
The details
Byrd and Darian Herring anchored the Warriors' defense, with Herring tying the single-game record with eight blocked shots. Hymas and Wallace also had big offensive games, combining for seven 3-pointers. The Warriors built a double-digit lead in the first half, but Montana Tech fought back to make it a close game in the second half before LC State pulled away late with free throws.
- The Warriors will face No. 3 Bethel (Tenn.) on Friday at 9 a.m. PT in the NAIA Round of 16 in Sioux City, Iowa.
The players
Caelyn Orlandi
The head coach of the LC State Women's Basketball team, making her first appearance at the NAIA national tournament as a head coach after competing there four times as a player and three times as an assistant coach.
Sitara Byrd
The standout forward for the Warriors, who recorded a double-double with 26 points and 17 rebounds in the regional final victory over Montana Tech.
Darian Herring
The defensive anchor for the Warriors, tying the single-game record with eight blocked shots in the win over Montana Tech.
Payton Hymas
The sharp-shooting guard for the Warriors, who scored 20 points and hit three 3-pointers in the regional final.
Kendall Wallace
The other starting guard for the Warriors, who scored 17 points and also hit three 3-pointers in the victory.
What they’re saying
“I am just so proud of this team. The grit and determination they showed tonight was so spectacular. We made winning play after winning play, and answered every run Tech came with.”
— Caelyn Orlandi, Head Coach
“I simply have a 'wow' on Sitara Byrd's performance. Absolutely incredible. Payton was so good and made big shots and those two players were not going to let us lose today.”
— Caelyn Orlandi, Head Coach
What’s next
The Warriors will take on No. 3 Bethel (Tenn.) on Friday in the NAIA Round of 16. Tipoff in Sioux City is set for 9 a.m. PT in the Tyson Events Center.
The takeaway
LC State's women's basketball team has proven its resilience and determination by punching its ticket to the NAIA national tournament for the eighth time, and the first under new head coach Caelyn Orlandi. The Warriors will face a tough test against Bethel (Tenn.), but their balanced scoring attack and stifling defense make them a formidable opponent in the national tournament.
