As the Ashland University Women’s basketball team competed against the Virginia Union Panthers, a troupe of support from home assembled to support the Eagles in the National Championship game.

AU students and community members alike gathered to watch the game from the bleachers of the Eagles’ home court, Kates Gymnasium.

The gym was crowded and filled with enthusiasm as fans watched the teams face off on a large screen that was set up for the high-stakes championship game.

A perfect 36-0 record and a No. 1 seed carried the Eagles through the National Championship game against Virginia Union, the No. 6 ranked seed in the the Division II women’s basketball national championship tournament.

The cheers of Eagle fans echoed throughout the building after every point was scored, growing in animation as the game continued. A few groups of attendees were even brought to their feet after several close plays.

As the close first half developed, many Eagle fans continued to gather in the gymnasium, including Ashland University student Leandrah Hunt.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Hunt. “Coming from a high school that sucked in sports and seeing how good and supportive the Eagles are. Everyone I have talked to is super excited, so it’s just a really great atmosphere.”

Some fans had appeared to have followed Eagle basketball over the years and others simply wanted to support their school, but everybody in the room was hopeful for their home team beat the Panthers.

Hunt was confident that the Eagles would bring home a win.

“I don’t want to jinx anything, but yeah, I think so,” said Hunt, anticipating a National Championship win.