Women Advance to 3-0, with Win Over Central Penn

Front Royal VA- Crusader Women's Basketball faced off against the Central Penn Knights Wednesday night, Dec. 1. The ladies improved to 3-0, with a hard fought, 55-41 win.

After taking a 2-0 lead the Crusaders allowed the Knights to score five unanswered points, falling behind 5-2. However, the team bounced back quickly, recapturing the lead with jumpers from Miranda Keller (Freshman/ Harrisburg, PA) and Catherine Thomas (Freshman/ Portland, TX), making it 6-5. The Knights then scored to make it 7-6. Kate Walz (Junior/ Baltimore, MD) recliamed the lead for the Crusaders, with a big jump shot. Walz's jump shot would be the last lead change of the game. The Crusaders defensive dominance was on full display in the first half, the team only allowed 16 points, giving them a 24-16 advantage at the break.

Early in the second half Central Penn cut the lead to six, at 20-26. Only trailing by six, the Knights attempted to close the gap with a 3-quarter court press. However, the Crusaders stayed calm as they broke press time and again, extending the lead to 31-20.  Both teams started to click offensively, trading baskets for the remainder of the half.  The Crusaders strong, first half, defense and impressive, second half, offense, secured them the 55-41 win.

With the win the team improves to 3-0 on the season.

The Crusader offense was led by three players in particular. Thomas recorded her third straight double-double with 13pts, and 12 rebounds, while also registering 6 assists. Keller notched her second double-double of the season with 13pts, and 15 rebounds. Walz had 13pts, and 9 rebounds of her own.

The Crusaders look to keep their win streak alive, as they travel away for their next game, taking on the Mid-Atlantic Christian University Mustangs on Dec. 4.