HICKORY, N.C. -  The Johnson County women's basketball team his headed to the NJCAA D-II National semifinals after a down-to-the wire victory over No. 12 seed Iowa Central,  63-60 last night at the Tarlton Complex on the campus of Catawba Valley in Hickory, N.C. last night. 

The Lady Cavaliers (21-1) led by 13 to open the fourth quarter, but the Tritons (14-9) chipped away at JCCC lead throughout the quarter. Iowa Central pulled to within two points with 15 second left and had a chance to tie or take the lead after forcing a turnover but were not able to convert. 

Sophomore guard Jaylen Townsend sank a free throw to close out the scoring. She led JCCC with 19 points, adding six rebounds, one assist and two steals.  Sophomore LaJahda Boyland had 17 points and four rebounds. 

JCCC head coach also got some key contribution from his bench. Freshman guard Lisa Thomas led the team with nine rebounds and five assists, and freshman guard Kierra Prim added four points and seven boards. 

Carly West led Iowa Central with 22 points, followed by Jordan Engbrecht with 18 

Johnson County will meet No. 8-seed Illinois Central, who knocked off top-seed Kirkwood, 51-40.  This will be just the second meeting between the two programs. Illinois Central down the Lady Cavaliers 70-52 during the 2003 NJCAA D-II National Tournament.  The tip is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT.