The Randall University Women's Basketball team is headed to the national stage.
With toughness, unity, and championship-level execution, the Lady Saints claimed the Southwest Region Championship and secured their spot in the NCCAA Women's Basketball National Championship in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the first time since 2012.
This wasn't just a title run — it was a testament to resilience.
Overcoming Adversity Early:
Randall opened the tournament with a 56-42 win over Southwestern Adventist, where the Saints leaned heavily on rebounding and defensive pressure. Chrissa Gomez recorded 16 points and 9 assists, while Tahnaya Kennedy dominated the glass with 12 rebounds (7 offensive). Despite shooting just 21.7% from the field as a team, Randall's 38 offensive rebounds and 20 second-chance points powered them through.
However, that opening round came with a major setback.
All-Region Third Team selection Nailiyah McLaurin suffered an injury in that first game and was unable to suit up in the semifinal matchup against No. 2 seed Arlington Baptist University.
Taking Down the No. 2 Seed, Arlington Baptist:
Facing Arlington Baptist without McLaurin, Randall had to adjust rotations and interior matchups — and they responded in championship fashion.
The Saints earned a hard-fought 79-69 victory behind a spectacular performance from freshman Alex Collins, who erupted for 36 points (12-22 FG, 6-7 from three), adding 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Tristyn Kirkes added 16 points and 9 rebounds, attacking downhill and finishing through contact.
Chrissa Gomez once again orchestrated the offense with poise, contributing 9 points and 7 assists while controlling tempo against pressure.
The win showed Randall's depth and mental toughness. Without one of their key pieces, they elevated collectively.
Championship Night vs. CBS:
The title game against College of Biblical Studies was a battle from the opening tip.
Randall trailed after the first quarter and entered halftime locked in a tight defensive struggle. But the third quarter changed everything.
The Saints exploded for 34 points in the third, shooting 68.4% from the field and an incredible 83.3% from beyond the arc during the period.
Chrissa Gomez delivered an elite championship performance, finishing with 21 points (7-15 FG, 5-9 3PT) and continuing her dominant tournament stretch. Across all three games, Gomez consistently provided scoring, shot-making, and leadership — 16 points in the opener, steady playmaking against Arlington, and 21 in the championship.
Freshman All-Region First Team selections Collins and Kirkes shined once again.
Kirkes led the championship game with 22 points and 14 rebounds, controlling the boards and knocking down timely shots. Collins added 19 points and 6 assists, creating offense in crucial moments.
But the defining stretch came late.
With the game still within reach, Kirkes buried a deep three to stretch the lead. On the next defensive possession, Kennedy jumped a passing lane for a steal that shifted the momentum entirely. Then, as the shot clock wound down on the following trip, Collins rose up and drilled another deep three — pushing the Saints' advantage to double digits.
That sequence — three, steal, three — broke the game open.
Randall never looked back, closing out a 75-57 championship victory. The Saints won the rebounding battle 51-40, scored 36 points in the paint, and forced 21 turnovers.
The Unsung Hero: Tahnaya Kennedy
If there was one constant throughout the tournament, it was Tahnaya Kennedy's relentless effort.
In the championship game, Kennedy posted 11 points and a dominant 20 rebounds (7 offensive, 13 defensive) along with 4 steals. Her defensive energy, physicality, and rebounding were elite. She controlled possessions, extended plays, and sparked the decisive run late.
She has been the unsung hero all year long — and on championship weekend, her impact was undeniable.
Freshmen Rising to the Moment:
Alex Collins and Tristyn Kirkes — both freshmen, both All-Region First Team selections — played far beyond their years.
Collins averaged explosive scoring throughout the tournament, highlighted by her 36-point outburst in the semifinal and 19 in the championship. Kirkes delivered double-doubles, clutch shooting, and relentless rebounding, including the dagger three that swung the title game for good.
Their growth under pressure speaks volumes about the future of the program.
Built by Resilience. Led by Coach Garcia:
This championship was built on resilience.
Playing without McLaurin in the semifinal. Battling through cold shooting nights. Responding to adversity possession after possession.
Head Coach Michelle Garcia has instilled a culture of unity and toughness within this program. When faced with setbacks, her team didn't fracture — they tightened their bond. They defended harder. They trusted each other more.
Garcia's leadership throughout the season — and especially during this tournament run — reflects an elite coach who has prepared her team for the biggest stage. She represents Randall with excellence and now leads her squad to Minneapolis as Southwest Region Champions.
The Saints are headed to the national tournament.
And they're going together — resilient, battle-tested, and ready.