Viking_Yearbook_95

Making History The Portland State womens basketball team completed its finest season in school history in late March as the Vikings went all the way to the NCAA 11 National Championship Game. PSU reached the title game for the first time in school history and, despite red-hot shooting, fell to North Dakota State, 98-85 in front of a Division 11 record crowd of 7,138. The Vikings placed second in the nation with a 26-6 record. PSU shot 52% in the first half only to trail 42-35 at intermission. The Vikings then shot a blistering 76% in the second half (19-25), but could not overcome the Bison on the boards. NDSU had a 34-24 advantage on the glass, and outshot PSU at the line (27-29 to 12-16). Kim Manifesto was the game-high scorer with 27 points, nine assists and five rebounds. She made nine of 11 shots from the field and eight of 10 at the line. Kristi Smith made 24 points from 12 successful shots of 19. Katie Rose hit seven of ten, including three five pointers for 17 points. "We were happy we played a great game in the championship," said Coach Greg Bruce. "But we're not satisfied with second place. We want to get back to this level again." The 11th- ranked Vikings proved they could handle playoff pressure throughout the post-season by knocking off fifth-ranked UC-Davis and second-ranked Stonehill (MA) along the way. In four postseason appearances under Bruce, the Vikings had a 10-4 record. Kim Manifesto and Kristi Smith became just the second and third All-Americans in Portland State history as they were named to Kodac Division II Woman's All-American Team. Portland State won its fourth straight Pacific West Conference championship this year. Manifesto was named conference Player of the Year, and Smith earned first team All- PWC honors. P.J. Hall was second team All-PWC. Perhaps most encouraging about the Vikings' banner season is they lost only one senior, P.J. Hall. All-Americans Smith and Manifesto will lead the team next season. Courtesy ofSports Dept. 72