CLEVELAND — Kent State captured its first Mid-American Conference Women's Basketball Tournament championship since 2002 on Saturday, defeating Buffalo, 78-60, in the title game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Redshirt senior Katie Shumate, who led the way with 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, earned Tournament MVP honors. Junior Bridget Dunn joined Shumate on the All-Tournament Team and finished with seven points, 12 boards and two rejections.

Sophomore Dionna Gray scored all of her career high-tying 14 points in the second half, including a trio of big three-pointers early in the third quarter. Gray also shared the team lead with four assists and two steals. Junior Jenna Batsch (14 points) and graduate student Mikala Morris (11 points) also scored in double-figures, while freshman Janae Tyler (8 points, 2 blocks), graduate student Abby Ogle (5 points, 2 steals) and redshirt sophomore Eléna Maier (1 point, 1 steal) provided valuable minutes that resulted in a 14-9 bench scoring advantage.

The Golden Flashes (21-10) will learn their next opponent on NCAA Selection Sunday. The bracket will be announced on ESPN's Selection Special, which begins at 8 p.m.

Be sure to follow Kent State Women's Basketball on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.

MAC All-Tournament Team
Katie Shumate - Kent State (MVP)
Bridget Dunn - Kent State
Chellia Watson - Buffalo
Rana Elhusseini - Buffalo
Quinesha Lockett - Toledo