Gehlen Catholic alum Rachel Langel competes in a national semifinal tonight for Briar Cliff University women’s basketball. It marks the Chargers’ first semifinal appearance since 2015.
After a 65-43 win over Governors State University from Illinois on Saturday, Langel said getting to be one of the last four teams standing is a dream come true.
The Chargers were able to crush the Jaguars defensively in the second half of their quarterfinal win holding them to just three made field goals the entire second half. Langel says Briar Cliff’s defense is what has allowed them to make it this far.
Langel finished the quarterfinal win with a near double-double of 10 points and nine rebounds. She says she just tries to do whatever the team needs, and the stats come after the fact.
Of course, Langel is no stranger to big moments on the basketball court. During her junior year, the Gehlen Catholic girls made the state tournament snapping a drought of eight years. She says moments like that with the Gehlen basketball program have prepared her well for playing on a big stage.
The Chargers are in search of not just their first national championship, but a win would put them in the championship game for the first time ever. Langel says it would mean a lot to lead the program to heights never seen before.
The Chargers take on Indiana Wesleyan University in the semifinal round with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM tonight at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City.
