SIOUX CITY, Iowa - Indiana Wesleyan University women's basketball won their opening round game of the 2011 NAIA Division II National Championship on Thursday afternoon in Sioux City, Iowa as they narrowly defeated Cornerstone (Mich.) University by score of 57-55.

Cornerstone University opened the contest with the first five points and managed to extend their lead to eight points on three separate occasions in the first half. IWU would use a 9-1 run over the next six and a half minutes to capture their first lead of the day at 27-25. IWU senior forward Elaine Hessel scored five of her seven points in the game in that time. CU would regain the lead at halftime 30-27 as they scored the final five points of the first half.

The second half featured four ties and seven lead changes the last of which came with 3:04 remaining as IWU junior guard Ashley Brooks hit two free throws to give IWU the advantage at 52-50 with 3:04 remaining. The Wildcats would stretch their lead to four on the next possession as Hessel scored in the paint. Cornerstone would narrow the gap to 54-52 after Samantha Flietstra hit two free throws. Brooks would ice the game for Indiana Wesleyan as she calmly sank two free throws with 24 seconds remaining to give IWU a five-point advantage. Cornerstone made a three-pointer at the buzzer to reach the final score of 57-55.

IWU guard Ashley Brooks chose an opportune time to set career highs in points (21), rebounds (10), and free throw makes (7). Brooks was the only Wildcat in double digits, although nine players recorded field goals. Senior guard Kayla Thompson contributed seven points and six rebounds to the victory.

"I went into the game wanting to do what the team needed me to do. I let the game come to me and felt confident after I hit my first couple of shots," said Ashley Brooks. "After we got past our first half jitters, we played like we were capable of playing. We got the stops and scores when we needed them."

Cornerstone was led in scoring by junior guard Melissa Veltkamp who notched 18 points, while senior forward Brooke Carter chipped in 15 points and six rebounds.

IWU won the rebounding battle by a margin of 31-26. In a battle of top-15 defenses, Indiana Wesleyan managed to shoot 54.1% (20-37) from the field, while holding Cornerstone to 38.5% (20-52) shooting. IWU enjoyed an advantage at the free throw line as they shot 13-22 (59.1%). CU made 9-12 (75%) free throws on the afternoon.

Indiana Wesleyan improves to 28-5 on the season and advances to the second round of the National Championship where they will play on Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET against St. Ambrose (Iowa) University. Cornerstone University finishes their season with a 22-10 record.