Kentucky's Simmons College women's basketball wins NCCAA Division II National Championship

With March Madness kicking off, the Wildcats and the Eagles seem to be the talk of the town, but let's not forget about our other Kentucky teams. This one, especially, is bound to impress.

In their second-ever season, the Falcons brought home a national title. The Simmons College of Kentucky women's basketball program recently won the NCCAA Division II National Championship, beating Toccoa Falls College 79-70.

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Headed into the tournament, the Falcons stood at a record of 10-12, according to the team's 2023-2024 schedule. They beat North Central University 89-70, earning a spot in the semi-finals against Crown College. After a 70-63 victory, the team was set to face off in the championship with Toccoa Falls.

Craig Greenberg, Louisville mayor, congratulated the team on their victory in his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

“The Lady Falcons of Simmons College of Kentucky made history this weekend, and there is no better time to celebrate them, their hard work and their accomplishments than during Women’s History Month,” Greenberg said. “We are working to make Louisville the women’s sports capital of the United States, and the incredible players and coaching staff of the Lady Falcons are leading the way. Congratulations — we are so proud that Simmons College calls Louisville home.”

Jerry Eaves, athletic director for Simmons College, said “Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby and I are elated to see the great success of the Lady Falcons under Coach Ruffin’s leadership. Their leadership, ability to grasp information and thrive on and off the court led them to this historic win, and we are so happy for these women and the school.”

Ruffin, along with the rest of the team, attended Tuesday's press conference, including Morgan Defoor, the NCCAA tournament's "most outstanding player."

In 2023, the program's inaugural season, the Falcons made it to the Final Four but fell short to Arlington Baptist University 72-64. Champion Christian College went on to beat Arlington Baptist University in the championship, 78-73, according to the NCCAA.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky college wins NCCAA division II national championship