Rockford, IL: The ninth ranked Golden Eagles amazing first season as a NJCAA DII program came to an end against undefeated and the #1 team in the country Morton College 96-68. The Golden Eagles were shorthanded coming into yesterday's Region IV Championship game against the #1 Panther's due to an incident that took place in the Region IV semi-final game against Kankakee Community College. "It was an unfortunate event in which a rule was broken in the middle of the game against Kankakee that turned into us having to play a Championship game with only five players." Stated head coach Darryl Watkins

The Golden Eagles would come out firing on all cylinders against the Panthers, taking an early lead against Morton before only trailing 22-17 after the first quarter. In the second quarter Rock Valley would tie the game up at 26 before allowing Morton to go on a 7-0 run to end the half and take the lead for the rest of the game 50-36. "The five we put on the floor were prepared they did everything we asked them to this entire week to get ready for this moment and it is also a five that has played valuable minutes all season long for us."

The Golden Eagles would continue to battle for the rest of the game in the second half but just did not have enough in the tank to weather the storm of Morton. "What Elli, Emily, Maya, McKenna, and Sam did yesterday in a championship game with no subs against the #1 team in the country was truly remarkable. They poured every bit of energy and all of their heart into this moment and that just goes to show the character of our kids within our program. They represented not only women's basketball but our community and institution AMAZINGLY." Stated Watkins

Maya Mitchell lead the Golden Eagles with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assist, 2 steals and 1 block. Mckenna Willams followed with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assist, Sam Tourtillott had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assist and both Emily Rich and Elli Teubert had 6 points apiece.

Maya Mitchell, McKenna Williams and Elli Teubert were named to the NJCAA Region IV DII All-Tournament team.

The Golden Eagles end the year as the ninth ranked team in the nation with a 25-7 record overall.