The Concordia College Lady Hornets traveled about 800 miles to beat a familiar foe and claim the national crown.

The Concordia College Lady Hornets defeated the Selma University Lady Bulldogs 65-44 to claim the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Basketball National Championship Saturday, March 10 in Uniontown, Pa.

Lady Hornets’ first year head basketball coach Kimberly Anderson said faith in God and her players helped lead Concordia to victory.

“It was the grace of God. It was like I already knew that we were going to win,” Anderson said. “There was no doubt in my mind that we were going there on a mission.”

The victory marked the third USCAA national championship for the Lady Hornets, as they claimed the title in 2007 and 2008, and avenged the Concordia’s loss to Selma earlier this season.

The Lady Hornets were led in the game by junior forward Rashida Young, who had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 steals on her way to being named tournament most valuable player.

Sharmika Hayes and Teagra Clifton added 13 points each for the Lady Hornets, and Concordia held the Lady Bulldogs to 30 percent shooting from the field in a game that was close until Concordia went on a 14-0 run with 6:16 left in the first half on its way to a 29-17 halftime lead.

The Lady Hornets took the advantage on the boards, outrebounding Selma 42-31.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by All-American Marquita McMurray, who had 12 points and 5 rebounds.

Anderson said the championship will serve as a good recruitment tool for Concordia women’s basketball, and bring prestige to the college, but the greatest thing earned on the trip wasn’t a trophy or a metal.

“The most important thing that meant more to me than that trophy was how my young ladies represented Alabama, how they represented the school, “ Anderson said. “When people come up to you and tell you how respectful your young ladies are — respect’s more than money — that in itself gave me a gift. God gave me the gift of some beautiful, talented young ladies, and that’s more than a trophy.”

McMurray and Treasure Baker were named to the All-Tournament Team for Selma, while Clifton made All-Tournament for Concordia.

Lady Bulldog’s head coach Ron Rembert refused to comment due to Selma University administrative policy.