Ihari Oromo Named NACIA Women’s Conference Tournament MVP After Leading Five Towns College to Wins Over No. 7 Berkeley and No. 1 Bloomfield

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Ihari Oromo Named NACIA Women's Conference Tournament MVP After Leading Five Towns College to Wins Over No. 7 Berkeley and No. 1 Bloomfield

Dix Hills, NY — Five Towns College proudly announces that Ihari Oromo has been named Women's Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player by the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) following a dominant two-game stretch that propelled the Sound past No. 7 Berkeley College and No. 1 Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Rankings were based on the Week 11 national poll released by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).

The Sound first secured a statement 65–49 victory over No. 7 Berkeley before stunning top-ranked Bloomfield 72–65 in the conference tournament final.

Oromo's Tournament MVP Performance

Against Bloomfield, Oromo delivered a commanding double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, including eight offensive boards that proved decisive in a tightly contested matchup. She shot 5-of-13 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line while anchoring a defense that held the nation's No. 1 team to just 27.7% shooting and 12.1% from three-point range. Despite battling foul pressure and constant physical contact inside, she maintained composure and imposed her will in the paint.

In the semifinal win over Berkeley, Oromo was equally impactful, finishing with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds. Her six offensive rebounds created extra possessions during a pivotal 30-point third quarter that broke the game open. Over two games, she controlled the glass, protected the interior, and set a physical tone that opponents struggled to match.

Oromo's journey this season has not been without obstacles. She has faced double teams, defensive schemes designed to limit her touches, and the physical toll of anchoring the interior on both ends. Through it all, she remained resilient, embracing the responsibility of leadership and delivering when the stakes were highest.

Head Coach Corey Jacques stated, "Ihari dominated the boards, defended at an elite level, and gave us second chances when we needed them most. She earned this MVP through toughness and heart."

Key Teammate Performances

Against Bloomfield, Raine Mears delivered a complete 40-minute performance with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks. She knocked down three critical three-pointers and helped control tempo during the Sound's decisive 25-point third quarter.

Geormaya Davis provided a major lift with 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting and nine rebounds in 28 minutes. Her interior physicality complemented Oromo's presence and helped Five Towns outwork Bloomfield on key possessions.

Throughout the tournament, contributions came from across the roster. Destiny Bishop pulled down 16 rebounds against Bloomfield while adding four assists. Layla Ford scored 13 points in the final and 10 against Berkeley, attacking aggressively and stretching defenses. Natavia Ross added 12 points versus Bloomfield and 11 off the bench against Berkeley, applying relentless perimeter pressure.

Bloomfield's Top Performers

Bloomfield was led by Anisha Able, who posted a dominant 29 points and 18 rebounds in the final. Nia Mallette added 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, providing consistent offensive pressure. Despite their efforts, the Sound's rebounding edge (57–56) and defensive discipline proved decisive.

A Championship Statement

Five Towns' 72–65 victory over No. 1 Bloomfield capped a remarkable run that included holding Berkeley to just 24.7% shooting and Bloomfield to 27.7%. The Sound set the tone defensively, controlled the glass, and executed in crucial moments.

Oromo's MVP honor reflects not only her individual excellence but also the unity and resilience of a team that refused to be intimidated by rankings. With wins over No. 7 and No. 1 in consecutive days, Five Towns College has firmly established itself as a championship-caliber program. Congradulations ladies, job, well done..... but not finished!