Watertown, NY - The No. 2 Onondaga Lazers traveled to the Region III Championship Tournament this weekend at Jefferson Community College looking for an automatic bid to the 2023-24 National Tournament in Rochester, MN. With a win over the No. 1 Jefferson Cannoneers, the Lazers earned the Region III Championship title and an automatic bid to the 2023-24 National Tournament.

The Lazers faced the No. 7 North Country Community College Saints on Friday for the Quarter Final round. Onondaga cruised to victory over the Saints coasting into Saturday's semifinal round with a 82-46 win. Brianna Weaver led the Lazers with 16 points. Ryleigh Endres had 14 points and 8 rebounds.

The semifinal round began at 1pm on Saturday where Onondaga took on No. 3 Mohawk Valley Community College. Putting the Lazers to work, Mohawk Valley led 12-7 after the first quarter, only the third time Onondaga has trailed after the first quarter all season. The game would remain tight at halftime with a small 1-point lead for the Lazers. Both teams hungry for a spot in the Region III Championship, Onondaga led entering the 4th quarter 46-45. With crucial defensive stops, the Lazers held the Hawks to 9 points in the 4th, securing a 61-54 win and advancing to the championship. Sophomore, Avianna Baker played a pivotol role in the victory with 21 points.

The heavily predicted matchup would take the stage in Sunday's Region III Championship, Onondaga and Jefferson. The two teams recently met in the MSAC Championship Game in Allyn Hall where the Lazers took a dominant 78-50 win. Each with a home win against one another, the Lazers entered the Championship with a 2-1 win over the Cannoneers.

The matchup lived up to the hype with Jefferson coming out hot leading the Lazers in the first quarter 17-10 with the Lazers trying to get their offense running. Doing so, the Lazers gained their first lead of the game entering the half 30-29. With the championship plaque in sight, a fire sparked under the Lazers with a dominant 3rd quarter outscoring the Cannoneers 24-10 and a substantial 54-39 lead to enter the 4th. Maintaining their lead, Onondaga watched the clock count down to another program regional championship. Kate Grainger tied her career high 21 points for the Lazers proving her All-Tournament team selection alongside Brianna Weaver. The All-Region team was also recognized featuring three members from Onondaga:

Cianna Papineau - 1st Team
Avianna Baker - 1st Team
Kathryn Grainger - 3rd Team

The NJCAA Division III National Tournament seedings will take place this Wednesday, March 6th where the Lazers will find out who they'll take on in the first round.

For the latest news on the OCC women's basketball program, follow @onondagawbb on Instagram and Twitter. You can keep up with all OCC Athletics by following us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @OnondagaLazers.