SIOUX, CITY, Iowa – The University of Providence women's basketball program defeated Carroll College 58-53 to advance to NAIA National Championship Monday night.

The Fighting Saints (28-6) scored the first basket of the game, but the Argos (27-8) would tie the game at two with a jumper from freshman Monique Carter on the next possession.

Following empty trips by both sides a three-pointer from graduate transfer Ashlee Maldonado gave the Argos a three-point lead.

Both teams would go back and forth the rest of the quarter as the Argos took a 12-11 advantage into the second.

The Argos opened the second with a three from junior Kolby Pimperton and a layup from senior Maddy Dixon, but a pair of layups from the Fighting Saints kept the game within two.

UP would respond with a 10-0 run behind back-to-back threes from Pimperton to make it 27-15 midways through the quarter.

Carroll would slowly cut into the Argo lead the rest of the half as the Argos took a 27-19 lead into the break. Maldonado led the way with 10 points in the first half for the Argos.

The Fighting Saints started the second half with an 8-2 run but a three-pointer from Maldonado kept the Argos ahead by five.

Carroll would close the quarter on a 10-4 run to take a 37-36 lead into the final quarter.

The Fighting Saints increased their lead to three to open the fourth, but a three on the other end from Maldonado tied the game at 39.

Each side would add a jumper, but an and one from freshman Keanna Salave'a put the Argos ahead 44-42 midways through the quarter.

Following baskets from both sides back-to-back jumpers from Dixon and Carter made it 50-46 with just under three minutes remaining.

A jumper from Carroll shortened the Argo lead to two, but clutch free throws from Carter, Pimperton, and Maldonado down the stretch secured the Argos 58-53 victory. Maldonado led the way with 22 points and Dixon and Pimperton added 11 and 12, respectively.