Lady Royals Defeat Otterbein, Advance to Sweet 16

University of Scranton women's basketball team cruises to 82-43 victory in NCAA Division III tournament

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The University of Scranton women's basketball team defeated Otterbein University 82-43 in the NCAA Division III tournament second round game on Saturday. The Lady Royals had five players score in double figures, led by Kaci Kranson's 17 points. Scranton used a strong defensive effort in the final 35 minutes to pull away after Otterbein started the game hot. The Lady Royals advance to the Sweet 16 round of the tournament.

Why it matters

The University of Scranton women's basketball team continues its undefeated season and advances to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III tournament. The Lady Royals have been dominant all season and are looking to make a deep run in the tournament.

The details

The University of Scranton jumped out to a 19-12 lead in the first quarter after Otterbein started the game on a 12-9 run. The Lady Royals used a zone defense to disrupt Otterbein's offense and spark a 10-0 run to take the lead. Scranton then pulled away in the second half, outscoring Otterbein 43-18 over the final two quarters. The Lady Royals shot 34.7% from the field and forced 19 Otterbein turnovers.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 07, 2026.
  • Scranton will face Bates College in the Sweet 16 on Friday, with the date and time to be announced.

The players

Kaci Kranson

Led the Lady Royals with 17 points.

Katie Gorski

Scored 14 points for Scranton.

Sophia Talutto

Also scored 14 points for the Lady Royals.

Elizabeth Bennett

Contributed 12 points for Scranton.

Kaeli Romanowski

Scored 11 points and added 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

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What they’re saying

“We always pride ourselves on our defense. We were kind of getting beat a little in the beginning, but we were able to adapt and change to that zone. We pride ourselves on being tenacious and together. So the zone gave them kind of a different look, made them adapt a little bit. We were able to stay together and force them into some shots they didn't want to take.”

— Kaeli Romanowski (The Times-Tribune)

“Obviously, we didn't handle it well and it slowed us down. It took us out of our flow and we were a little bit hesitant about what we wanted to run. We weren't able to get good touches inside. I think we're a great man-to-man team, I think we're a tough matchup, so we've known all year that zone is the thing we've got to adjust and get better at. But that adjustment was enough to slow us down and get them back in control.”

— Diana Noles, Otterbein Head Coach (The Times-Tribune)

“We always try to end the half on a good note. It kind of demoralizes the other team. We really try to hone in on our defense and get those stops and our defense will flow into our offense and get our energy up.”

— Elizabeth Bennett (The Times-Tribune)

What’s next

Scranton will face Bates College in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Division III tournament on a date and time to be announced.

The takeaway

The University of Scranton women's basketball team continues to prove it is one of the top teams in Division III, advancing to the Sweet 16 with a dominant performance over a tough Otterbein squad. The Lady Royals' stifling defense and balanced scoring attack make them a formidable opponent for any team remaining in the tournament.