Joplin, MO: The Golden Eagles matched up against #1 team in the NJCAA DII National Tournament Kirkwood Eagles. The Golden Eagles would battle with Kirkwood throughout the first quarter trailing by only 1 point 15-14.

The second quarter would be a different story for the Golden Eagles as Kirkwood would continue to build their lead up to as much as 19 points before end the half. The Golden Eagles shot 25 percent from the field in the first half and turned the ball over 9 times which helped Kirkwood build it's first half lead. "Kirkwood is a good disciplined team that takes advantage of every mistake you make within ball games. " Stated Head Coach Darryl Watkins

In the second half Kirkwood would push their lead to 22 points before the Golden Eagles would battle back before eventually cutting the lead with six points. This would be as close as it would get for Rock Valley who couldn't get a couple key baskets down the stretch. "Kirkwood took advantage of our second quarter and built a lead that was ultimately too much for us to come back from. Our kids battled and battled until the final buzzer and yes we fell short of a National Championship goal but the way they competed and represented Rock Valley College is something I am proud of as a coach." Stated Watkins.

Rock Valley would fall to Kirkwood by a final score of 84-75. With the loss the Golden Eagles move to 26-9 on the year. The Golden Eagles were led by Mia Moore with 25 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Kennedy Buck would record 17 points, and 7 rebounds and rounding out double digit scoring would be Amadea Montijo with 10 points, 3 steals.

UP NEXT
The Golden Eagles will move to the consolation side of the bracket to face off against the #8 overall seed Highland Community College on Thursday afternoon in the Leggett & Platt Center at 12pm.