ERIE, Pa. — The Indiana (Pa.) women's basketball team captured the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship Sunday, defeating Gannon, 61-57, at the Highmark Events Center.-

The Crimson Hawks used a strong defensive performance and balanced scoring to secure the program's first PSAC title since 2019 and earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament.

IUP was led by Nyshae' Weaver, who scored 22 points and grabbed five rebounds. Weaver was dominant at the free-throw line, converting 10 of 11 attempts. Teresa Maggio added 12 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while Marin Miller finished with 10 points. Belle Bosch contributed nine points and six rebounds for the Crimson Hawks.

IUP remained close through the first half before taking control after the break. The Crimson Hawks relied on their defense and efficiency at the free-throw line to hold off Gannon down the stretch.

As a team, IUP shot 34.7% from the field and went 25-for-29 from the free-throw line, which helped offset a 3-for-15 effort from 3-point range.

The championship matchup served as the rubber game between the PSAC's top two teams after the programs split the regular-season meetings.

Teresa Maggio was named the most outstanding player of the tournament for IUP.

With the victory, IUP adds its seventh PSAC championship to its program history and will now await its placement in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional, which begins next weekend.