MONTCLAIR--The top-seeded Montclair State women's basketball team became the first program in 26 years to win five straight NJAC championships following a 71-61 win over sixth-seeded Rutgers-Newark in the 2016-17 NJAC Women’s Basketball Championship Game on February 25.

The Red Hawks, who had all five starters score in double-figures, ended the Cinderella run of Rutgers-Newark, who became the first women’s basketball team in league history to reach the NJAC Championship Game as a sixth-seed.

NJAC Player of the Year Katie Sire notched a double-double 19 points and 12 rebounds, while the Scarlet Raider all-conference backcourt duo of Faith Ashby and Maria Simmons scored 26 and 19 points respectively.

Along with their fifth straight NJAC title and their sixth crown in program history overall, the Red Hawks also secured the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The entire NCAA field and bracket will be released during a live selection show on ncaa.com on February 27 at 2:30 PM.

For more information, please visit the NJAC Women’s Basketball Tournament page on njacsports.com.