Gorilla Nation prepares for the Elite Eight

  Friday, March 18, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Basketball fever has gripped Gorilla Nation this week as it prepares to support its women’s basketball team, which has, for just the second time in school history, earned a spot in the Elite 8.

“We’ve been receiving calls and emails all week from alumni and fans who want to go to Sioux Falls,” (Sioux, Falls S.D., is the site of this year’s Elite 8) said Jon Bartlow, director of alumni and constituent relations. “Our office is working hard to give fans plenty of opportunities to show their support for this amazing team.”

The Gorillas (29-5) earned a berth in the Elite Eight by posting a 78-74 victory over Emporia State University (28-6) Monday night before a partisan crowd of nearly 3,000 fans at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court to claim the NCAA Division II Central Regional title.

Pitt State will meet the Midwest Regional champion Grand Valley State University on Tuesday, March 22, at 8:30 p.m. at the Sanford Pentagon.

“Monday night’s game was the loudest I’ve ever experienced at John Lance Arena, said Marissa Poppe, director of intercollegiate athletic marketing and community relations. “The community support for our team is unbelievable. It’s an exciting time for our team and for our fans. We know we’ll see a lot of them in Sioux Falls.”

Pitt State’s Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations has several events planned for the week including a special Team Send-Off at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 20.

“We’re inviting fans to join Gus to send our Gorillas off in style,” said Bartlow. “We’re encouraging everyone to make signs to show their support and let our team know that Gorilla Nation is behind them.”

A full listing of events, including locations for Game Watch Parties and information about a potential Sioux Falls Fan Bus, is available on the alumni webpage at www.pittstate.edu/alumni.