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.

The Argos will be back in action tomorrow night for the NAIA National Championship against the winner of #1 Dordt and #3 Cumberlands. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. (MST) in Sioux City, Iowa at the Tyson Events Center.