Winona Lake, Indiana -- Brittany Woodard scored 16 points to lead three in double-figures as the Mid-America Christian Lady Evangels defeated the tournament host Grace College Lady Lancers 69-63 to clinch fifth place at the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) tournament Saturday afternoon (Mar. 19) in Winona Lake, Indiana. 

The Lady Evangels trailed 10-8 early on but a three by Michelle Hardimon put them on top to stay at the 12:30 mark of the first half. 

The lead was 31-29 at the half and 42-40 when Woodard drilled a three and scored seven points to fuel a 9-0 surge that stretched the lead to 11. 

The Lady Lancers made things interesting as a bucket by Hannah Lengel cut the lead to 65-63 with 2:14 remaining. 

Tranecia Smith then answered with a basket and the Lady Evangels clamped down defensively to hold the Lady Lancers scoreless the rest of the way. 

Nicole Wittman closed out the victory by scoring with 13 seconds remaining. 

The Lady Evangels were led by Brittany Woodard's 16 points on 7 of 11 shooting and Brittany Johnson's 15 points and seven rebounds. Nicole Wittman chipped in 13 points on 6 of 10 shooting.

Johnson was solid throughout the tournament, leading the Lady Evangels with 17.0 points and 8.3 rebounds a game in the tourney's three games. 

Kiera Gray led Grace with 22 points on 4 of 7 shooting from downtown and 10 of 10 from the free throw line. Cashier totaled 14 points, and Danielle Boykin and Hannah Lengel each tallied 10 points.

The Lady Evangels outscored Grace in the paint 36-14 and 30-7 off the bench.

The victory caps a successful inaugural season for first year head coach Roman Owen, as the Lady Evangels also notched eight conference victories, their most since joining the Sooner Athletic Conference of the NAIA in 2007.