The Finlandia University women’s basketball team poses after winning its first American Collegiate Sports Athletic Association championship on Sunday, March 1, 2020, in Milwaukee, Wis. (Submitted Photo)

MILWAUKEE — Finlandia University fended off a late charge by UC-Santa Cruz on the way to winning the first American Collegiate Athletic Association women’s basketball tournament Sunday.

Coach Mariah Dunham’s Lions led by a many as 22 points in the game at Bloeschl Center, that margin coming in the first half.

But the Banana Slugs cut the lead down to 56-50 with just over a minute left to play before Carsyn Osterman of the Lions knocked down four clutch free throws to seal the win.

“We were looking for Carsyn (Osterman) to step up in this tournament,” Dunham said. “And she did just that. She played well on both sides of the ball.”

A Baraga High product, Osterman turned in a triple-double in her team’s opening game versus Pine Manor College with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. FU won the game by a 78-62 margin

Osterman was named Player of the Tournament for her overall play.

In a 78-62 semifinal win over Pine Manor College on Saturday, Osterman recorded a rare triple-double with 11 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists.

L’Anse High product Bailey Froberg added a team-high 17 points in Saturday’s contest, while Hancock’s Taylor Pertile notched 10 more.

In the championship game, Osterman put in 15 points and grabbed six rebounds.

Sophomore center Katie Lundeen led the way for the locals with a team-high 17 points and 11 rebounds in the title game.

Her strong play in the first half helped the Lions to a 43-22 margin at the half.

“We’ve looked to Katie Lundeen all season and she’s delivered,” Dunham said. “She played well again today.”

Santa Cruz rallied in the second half behind the play of Ashley Kovack and Emily Mitchell, who scored 19 and 15 points respectively, to lead the 14-12 Slugs.

Finlandia ended up winning its last 11 games in row to finish at 16-11 on the year.

Dunham said she was proud of her team’s effort.

“We managed to come back a long way from the beginning of the season,” Dunham said. “I’m very proud of the girls for that.”

UCSC 8 14 9 16 — 50

Finlandia 17 26 9 8 — 60

USSC (50): Mitchell 15, Murphy 4, Kovack 19, Brauer 9, Gabriel 3. FT: 13-17. Rebounds: 34 (Murphy 11). Fouls:15. Fouled out: None. 3-point FG: Mitchell 3, Kovack 2, Murphy 1, Gabriel 1.

FINLANDIA (60): Berg 1, Austin 7, Lundeen 17, H. Froberg 6, B. Froberg 6, Osterman 15, Pertile 2, Ryynanen 4. FT. 23-29. Rebounds: 48 (Lundeen 11): Fouls: 15. Fouled out: None. 3-point FG: Austin 1.