SIOUX, CITY, Iowa – The University of Providence women's basketball program were defeated by #1 Dordt University 57-53 in the NAIA National Championship Tuesday night.

The Defenders (35-2) scored the first four points of the game but a layup from graduate transfer Ashlee Maldonado cut the Dordt lead to two.

Following a pair of baskets from Dordt, a layup from freshman Keanna Salave'a made it 8-5 midways through the first quarter.

A jumper from the Defenders increased their lead to five, but a three from senior Maddy Dixon made it a two-point game.

Dordt would add another jumper but layups from Salave'a and a layup from Dixon tied the game at 12.

Dordt would hit a pair of layups to increase their lead to three, but a 6-0 run behind layups from senior Kolby Pimperton, freshman Monique Carter, and Maldondo gave the Argos (27-9) an 18-16 lead.

Following a layup from the Defenders the Argos would continue their momentum finishing the half on a 9-2 run behind a three from Maldonado and layups from Dixon and Salave'a to give the Argos a 27-20 edge going into the break.

Dordt scored the first points of the second half but a three from Pimperton and a layup from Dixon put the Argos ahead 32-22.

Following threes from both sides a 9-0 run from the Defenders shortened the Argo lead to one.

Freshman Eliannah Ramirez scored back-to-back baskets to put the Argos ahead by six, but four free throws in a row from the Defenders made it 40-38 heading into the final quarter.

Dordt scored the first three points of the fourth to take a 41-40 lead but free throws from Maldonado put the Argos back ahead by one.

A jumper from Dordt made it 43-42 but a layup and three-pointer from Carter put the Argos back ahead by four.

The game would be tied at 47 and 49 before a pair of layups from the Defenders put Dordt ahead 52-49.

Free throws from Maldonado cut the lead to one, but the Defenders would make their free throws down the stretch as the Defenders defeated the Argos 58-53.