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Christendom Crusaders

Crusaders Return with a 2-1 Record in the First Games of the Semester

After returning for another semester of studying and playing basketball, the Crusader women’s basketball team played three games within a four-day window. On January 17th, 2025, the Crusaders lost 80-75 in a highly competitive game against the Cheyney University Wolves. The next day, the Crusaders bounced back with a decisive 90-48 victory over the Bucks County Community College Centurions. On January 20th, the Crusaders traveled to compete with the Regent University Royals, earning a 66-42 win. 

Crusaders Return with a 2-1 Record in the First Games of the Semester
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January 20, 2025
After returning for another semester of studying and playing basketball, the Crusader women's basketball team played three games within a four-day window. On January 17th, 2025, the Crusaders lost 80-75 in a highly competitive game against the Cheyney University Wolves. The next day, the Crusaders bounced back with a decisive 90-48 victory over the Bucks County Community College Centurions. On January 20th, the Crusaders traveled to compete with the Regent University Royals, earning a 66-42 win. 
 
Glen Mills, PA – In their game against Cheyney, both teams came out with explosive aggression, establishing an extremely fast pace for the game from the tip off. In the first quarter, the Crusaders struggled with shooting, while the Wolves seemed unable to miss. The Crusaders were down 27-16 at the end of the first quarter. They adjusted their game plan, but struggled to compete with Cheyney's lights-out shooting and the half ended with Cheyney winning 43-28. 
 
At halftime, the Crusaders steeled their resolve to do everything within their power to come back from the 15-point deficit. However, the Wolves continued to control the game in the third quarter, increasing their lead to 62-44, while the Crusaders were left with 18 points to make up in the fourth quarter. The Crusaders took control of the game in the fourth quarter, scoring 31 points to Cheyney's 18. They chipped away and Cheyney's lead until they were within one point of Cheyney. The Crusader effort proved to be too late in the game, however, and the score was 80-75 at the final buzzer. 
 
Although they suffered their first loss of the season, the Crusaders proved their perseverance through adversity, and several stand-out players took the opportunity to rise to the occasion. Regina Bonvissuto (Senior/Kingston Springs, TN) scored her college career high of 30 points including eight out of her thirteen three-point shots. Catherine Thomas (Senior/Corpus Christi, TX) scored 22 points and shot with 100% accuracy from the foul line, making six foul shots. Miranda Keller (Senior/Harrisburg, PA) earned a double-double, scoring 15 points and bringing down an impressive 17 rebounds. The Crusaders put forth a great effort and yet lost with dignity, demonstrating the Crusader spirit by continuing to compete throughout their toughest game of the season to this point. 
 
Newtown, PA – In their game against Bucks on January 18th, the Crusaders controlled the pace of the game from the tip off. They jumped to a 28-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. They continued to dominate and ended the half with a 50-21 lead. 
 
In the second half, subs flew on and off the court and each player fought to do their part for the team. The third quarter ended with the Crusaders up 78-34 and they continued into the fourth quarter with relentless pace. The score was 90-48 by the end of the game with the Crusaders victorious. 
 
Thomas was the leading scorer of the game with 31 points, and Mary Pennefather (Sophomore/Manassas, VA) also contributed 26 points to the Crusader victory. As a team, the Crusaders achieved a 44.7% field goal percentage and a 36.4% three point percentage.
 
Virginia Beach, VA – The Crusaders travelled to Virginia Beach to face off against Regent University. The game was fast-paced and competitive, but the Royals proved no match for the Crusaders' aggressive style of play. 
The first quarter was evenly matched in terms of scoring. Each team seemed to have an answer for the other's offensive attacks. The quarter ended with the Crusaders ahead 17-13. The Crusaders pulled away in the second quarter, scoring 24 points and only giving up 9. At half time the Crusaders led 41-22. 
 
The Crusaders continued to build their lead in the third quarter through lock-down defense and relentless attack. Entering the fourth quarter, the Crusaders were ahead 57-28. In the final quarter, the Royals made an offensive effort that proved to be too little and too late. They scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, but the Crusaders emerged victorious with a score of 66-42. 
 
The Crusaders demonstrated great teamwork and the stats were evenly distributed. Thomas had another stellar game with a double-double, comprised of 21 points and 19 rebounds. Keller, Bonvissuto, and Pennefather contributed 14, 13, and 11 points respectively to the team win.