Submitted photo Elle Ruffridge of Pocahontas stands with the Missouri Valley Conference tournament championship trophy.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Elle Ruffridge has accomplished several goals during her storied basketball career.

Now, the Pocahontas Area graduate and current Missouri State sophomore gets to add another achievement to her list of memorable hoop experiences.

Ruffridge and the Lady Bears earned the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title on Sunday, securing a spot in the 2019 NCAA Tournament. They will head to Ames on Saturday to face DePaul in the first round.

The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and will air on ESPN2 from inside Hilton Coliseum. The winner meets either Iowa State or New Mexico State on Monday.

“It means the absolute world to me to finally get the chance to go dancing,” Ruffridge said. “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a little girl and to have that one dream come true is just amazing.

“I grew up watching the best of the best compete in March Madness, and to now experience it all is unreal. I couldn’t be more proud of this team and how far we have come this season.”

Ruffridge led the Indians to a pair of state titles her junior and senior seasons. Just as she did countless times in high school, the 5-foot-3 guard stepped up in the key situations.

In the MVC tournament semifinal vs. Northern Iowa, Ruffridge scored a career-high 14 points, hitting five field goals — including four 3-pointers. She finished the three-game tourney run with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

“The MVC is a tough conference with phenomenal teams,” Ruffridge said. “It feels great to be back on top.

“Everyone stepped up big this weekend, and that’s what makes us so great. Our team is so deep, whether you’re a starter or come off the bench. Every player is important and incredibly valuable.

“I played pretty crucial minutes, knocked shots down and was willing to do whatever it took to punch our ticket.”

This marks the first NCAA appearance for Missouri State since 2016, with the school boasting Final Four trips in 1992 and 2001. They are 14-14 all-time and also advanced to the Sweet 16 in 1993.

“Going to class (Monday) was something special,” Ruffridge said. “Professors, students and the town of Springfield are so happy for the Lady Bears and it’s so cool to have such a rich tradition.

“I’m excited for the festivities to begin.”

Ruffridge, who played in all 33 games last year as a true freshman, racked up 864 minutes played with 210 points, 115 rebounds, 55 assists, 41 made triples and 26 steals this year.

Missouri State is currently 23-9 and finished second in the MVC behind Drake, who they bested for the league tournament title. They will be the No. 11 seed in the Chicago Regional bracket, with DePaul (26-7), winners of the Big East Conference, coming in ranked 24th and the No. 6 seed.