Petersburg, VA - The Mustangs entered the USCAA National Tournament for the seventh straight season, this year earning the #3 seed. Prior to the games, CM was well represented at the USCAA Skills Competition and Awards Ceremony.

Ella Lavgine was named a USCAA 1st Team All-American, Destiny Mora Lopez was named an Honorable Mention All-American, and Winnie LaRochelle was named an Academic All-American. LaRochelle and Molly Corbett made the finals of the Hot Shot Competition and Australian sharp-shooter, Zoe Bedford, won the USCAA 3-Point Shooting Contest.

The highlight of the awards ceremony was the announcement of most prestigious award, the USCAA Student-Athlete of the Year. LaRochelle was recognized as the Student-Athlete of the Year which was the first time in program history that a Mustang won the award.

After the skills competition and awards ceremony, the Mustangs had two days of practice before taking on #6 Miami-Hamilton. The Harriers came into the tournament as one of the most athletic and explosive teams at the event, with the talent to win the whole thing. The Mustangs knew they would have their hands full. 

Game 1
Mustangs 63 - Harriers 51

The start of the game was dominated by Miami-Hamilton. They used their athleticism and hot shooting to take an 8-point lead towards the end of the first quarter. In typical CM fashion, the Mustangs got to work defensively, and their physical approach and stingy defense started eating away at the Harrier energy and efficiency. The Mustangs went into half-time only down three.

Although the Mustangs will still trailing by one after the third quarter, it was easy to see that things were changing. 

The racous CM crowd made a huge impact on the game. The Mustangs felt like they were playing a home game, and the energy helped propel them to an epic 4th quarter. After giving up 19 points in the 1st quarter, the Mustangs only allowed 18 in the entire second half. 

Mikenzie Melendez provided the spark off the bench, scoring 10 points to go along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Rosa Prieto also scored 10 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. After dealing with foul trouble in the first half, Ella Lavigne unleashed in the 4th quarter. She finished the game with a game-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. Another All-American effort.

Jolien Defoort, Molly Corbett, and Chantel Ouellette played tough defense. Ouellette drew two offensive fouls, bringing her season total to 28.

Kaitlyn Simpkins led the Harriers with 11 points. 

The Mustangs outscored Miami-Hamilton 20-7 in the 4th quarter to secure the thrilling victory. The win propelled CM to a 27-1 overall record and to the USCAA National Tournament Semifinals.

Game 2
Mustangs 48 - Crusaders 60

Despite jumping out to a 17-6 1st quarter lead, the Mustangs fell to Christendom Crusaders in the USCAA National Tournament Semifinal, 60-48. The pressure defense propelled the Mustangs to an early lead, but cold shooting by CM and untimely turnovers coupled with tremendous team play by the Crusaders spelt doom.

Chantel Ouellette was the lone Mustang in double-figures, scoring 10 points. 

The Mustangs, who led at halftime by 7, could not stop the dynamic USCAA 1st Team All-American, Mary Pennefather. She hit for 21 points and 12 rebounds, willing her team to a dominant second half.

With the loss the Mustangs ended their season at 28-2 overall.