OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Led by 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds by sophomore Sara Tarbert and 16 points and six assists by senior Ty Bender, the top-seeded Stevenson women's basketball team defeated fourth-seeded Lebanon Valley, 63-47, in the Commonwealth Conference semifinals Wednesday evening at Owings Mills Gymnasium.

With the win, the Mustangs (22-3) will be making just their second appearance in a conference championship game and first since the 2005-06 season.

Bridget Rothert got the Dutchmen (18-9) rolling early, connecting on three of her first four shots to give the visitors an 8-2 lead. Rothert scored 12 of Lebanon Valley's first 18 points before sitting with two fouls.

Stevenson scored the next six points to tie the game at 8-8 but Rothert hit back-to-back three pointers to give the Dutchmen an eight point lead, 18-10 with 10:52 remaining in the first half.

After Lebanon Valley called a timeout, the Mustangs defense forced a five second call on the ensuing inbounds, leading to three-straight Dutchmen turnovers. Stevenson, sparked by a three-pointer by junior Brittney Page, took advantage and rallied to take its first lead of the game, 19-18 with 7:51 left.

But Taylor Umbrell responded with a three-pointer down the other end to give Lebanon Valley back the lead. In three meetings this season, Umbrell has totaled eight three pointers.

A three-pointer by junior Stephanie Martinez sparked a 15-1 run for the Mustangs who ended the first half on a 23-4 run. Martinez would end the half with her second three-pointer to give the hosts an 11-point lead at the break.

Lebanon Valley, who started the half 4-for-9 from the field made just five of their next 26 shots. Meanwhile, the Mustangs who started just 2-for-14 from the field finished the half 7-for-13.

Stevenson extended its lead to 14 in the first 2:21 of the second half as the Dutchmen missed their first six shots. Lebanon Valley started the second half 2-for-11 from the field over the first 8:33 and would finish 9-for-27.

The Mustangs, who lead the conference in scoring defense, held the Dutchmen to a 29.0 shooting percentage.

A scoop-in layup by Martinez follow by a three-pointer by freshman Imani Sanders, extended the Mustangs lead to 17 before a three-point play by Bender and a jumper by junior Caitlin Roy gave Stevenson its largest lead at 20.

The Dutchmen cut the deficit to 13, as they used an 11-4 run but the Mustangs scored the next six points to push their lead back to 19 with 4:27 remaining.

Rothert would not let down easy as the guard nailed her fourth three-pointer of the game 1:26 later but Lebanon Valley made just one of their final four shots as Stevenson posted its largest win over the Dutchmen in eight all-time meetings.

Tarbert, who totaled her 15th double double of the season at halftime, finished 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Meanwhile, Bender finished with a career-high three blocks.

Senior Kyarra Harmon totaled 10 rebounds to go along with six points, two steals and one assists.

Rothert led all scorers with 23 points on 9-of-22 shooting. She was also held to zero assist and six turnovers after entering the game averaging 4.1 assists per game.

Stevenson will host second-seeded Albright in the Commonwealth Conference championship game on Saturday, February 28. Game time is TBA. The Mustangs swept the season series versus the Lions, including 68-50 at home.