Crusaders Handed First Loss of Season Despite Strong Efforts

Front Royal, VA- Excited fans packed into the stands of Crusader Gymnasium to watch Christendom take on the Roadrunners of Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in a Christmas-themed game. Unfortunately, Christendom fell to the Roadrunners on Saturday, by a score of 69-58. 

The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead at the beginning part of the first half. The Roadrunners climbed back into the game, and some early foul trouble for the Crusaders led to some tentative defense, not wanting to pick up any more fouls. The game was close for the remainder of the half, and a banked three point shot in the last minute of the half from the Roadrunners gave them a 32-26 lead heading into the break. 

The second half was a very intense and high-energy half of basketball. Some instant offense at the beginning of the half narrowed the Roadrunner lead, and the Crusaders would end up tying the game with 7 minutes left in the game. Despite some amazing defense and a series of stops powered by one of the loudest environments Christendom has ever had, the Crusaders were never able to regain that lead. The game would remain a one-possession game for a while, but Christendom's shots were just not falling, and the game would slip away in the last couple minutes of the game, resulting in a 9 point victory for the Roadrunners. 

Christendom's offense was powered by Jack Hofbauer (Senior/ Woodcliff Lake, NJ) and Joe Dotson (Junior/ Manassas, VA). Hofbauer had 15 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 6-10 from the field, and 2-2 from three. Dotson had 15 points as well, while shooting 6-12 from the field, hitting 3 triples in the process. Owen Kennedy recorded another double-double, his first of the season, with 12 points and 13 rebounds. 

The Crusaders now head into finals week and Christmas break, looking to shake off this loss and continue their overall strong play. They will take on Williamson College of the Trades next on January 14.