JOPLIN, Mo. – Survive and advance. That is exactly what No. 1 Johnson County did in its 59-54 victory over CCBC Essex in the semifinals of the NJCAA D-II Tournament in Joplin, Mo., Friday night. 

The Lady Cavaliers (34-0) entered the final period with a comfortable 18-point advantage, but CCBC Essex opened with a 9-0 run and later had a 15-2 run to pull within one point with 22 second left to play.

Sophomore guard Jazzy Klinge made four free throws in the in final seconds to secure the victory for JCCC and punch their ticket to the national championship game on Saturday night. Klinge finished with a game-high 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds. 

The Lady Cavaliers will play for the national title at 7 p.m. and will face No. 2 Kirkwood. Johnson County and Kirkwood faced off the national championship in 2017 with the Eagles prevailing 61-46. 

Also finishing in double figures were sophomore guard Saige Grampsas with 12 all from 3-point range, and sophomore forward Grace Lynch with 11. Freshman forward Amani Henry was the top rebounder with nine and freshman guard Taliyah Scott was credited with seven assists. 

Alana Powell led CCBC Essex with 17 points, followed by Ore Ogunwolere with 13.