Christendom Women's Basketball: Back-To-Back National Champions

The Christendom Women's Basketball Team, who stunned the USCAA last year with an underdog run to their first National Championship title as the 7-seed entered this year's National Championship tournament as the team to beat after going 23-2 in the regular season and winning their conference championship. Their regular season resume and conference championship earned them the #1 Overall Seed in the tournament.

National Quarterfinals: vs. #8 Penn State Shenango 

Playing as the #1 seed, the team started off their defense of their national title with a quarterfinal matchup against Penn State Shenango on Wednesday. Christendom wasted no time establishing their rhythm, racing to a 22-12 lead after the opening quarter. Regina Bonvissuto came out firing, knocking down two of her game-high six three-pointers en route to 20 points. Mary Pennefather quickly showed why she is one of the best in the USCAA as well, attacking the basket and drilling shots from deep. She would go on to lead all scorers with 29 points while also pulling down 10 rebounds and dishing out six assists.

After grabbing a 41-31 lead by the half, the third quarter was all Christendom, with the team outscoring Shenango 29-9 to put the game out of reach. Pennefather continued to pour in points, while Miranda Keller asserted her dominance in the paint. Keller finished with a monster double-double, recording 14 points and 15 rebounds, including four offensive boards that led to second-chance points.

With a 30-point lead going into the fourth quarter, Christendom maintained control, running down the clock while continuing to execute on both ends. The Crusaders' depth took over in the final minutes, sealing their spot in the semifinals with an 86-56 victory.

National Semifinals: vs. #4 Johnson & Wales 

Friday's semifinal matchup against Johnson & Wales Charlotte was a rematch of the National Championship game last year and proved to be just as thrilling. The Crusaders wasted no time seizing control, erupting for 28 first-quarter points while limiting Johnson & Wales to just 14. Pennefather led the early charge, scoring from all over the court on her way to a game-high 31 points.

Defensively, the Crusaders were aggressive from the opening tip, forcing contested shots and dominating the glass. Thomas set the tone inside, grabbing six of her game-high 18 rebounds in the first quarter alone. By the end of the first half, Christendom held a dominant 44-26 lead, putting themselves well on their way to a return to the National Championship game on Saturday.

Johnson & Wales refused to go down without a fight, however, outscoring Christendom 19-12 in the third quarter to cut the lead to 11 heading into the final quarter. Turnovers plagued Christendom in the second half, with the team committing 19 for the game — a stark contrast from the 7 they committed in their quarterfinal matchup. However, key defensive plays, including three steals from Keller and two from Pennefather, kept the Crusaders from losing too much ground.

Despite Johnson & Wales' best efforts, including cutting the lead to only 5, Christendom buckled down in the final few minutes to seal the victory. The Crusaders' defense returned to form just in time, holding the Wildcats to only 10 fourth-quarter points to put the game away. Final score: 71-55, Christendom.

Stations and Mass at Basillica of Our Lady of Victory

After the win on Friday afternoon, the team went to the Basillica of Our Lady of Victory. There, they prayed the Stations of the Cross and went to Mass. They prayed for the intercession of Our Lady of Victory going into the National Championship Game on Saturday Evening. 

National Championship Game: vs. #3 Miami-Hamilton

Finally, on Saturday evening, the women's basketball team walked out onto the court in Buffalo, New York, for the twenty-eighth game of their long season — the very game they had been training for since March of last year. Taking on #3 Miami-Hamilton in the USCAA DII national championship game, Christendom jumped to a 20-12 lead after the first quarter, stretching that lead to 37-27 by the end of the first half. Pennefather was on fire for the team, leading the team in points scored.

Then, the unthinkable happened. Pennefather, the engine of Christendom's offense, fouled out towards the end of the third quarter, forcing the team to fight on without her for the final twelve minutes of their biggest game.

The hours spent practicing, watching film, and preparing for every possible scenario led to this moment. And the team responded with all the resilience that made them the best in the country. The team came together in a remarkable way, stretching their lead to 52-40 by the end of the fourth quarter.

With ten minutes left, Christendom clung to their lead — but Miami-Hamilton surged back. A 10-0 run cut the lead to 52-50, and soon the game was tied 56-56 with under three minutes to play.

Then, Regina Bonvissuto — outstanding all season — stepped up. With under two minutes left, she launched a deep three-pointer, draining it to put Christendom back on top. Two free throws from Thomas extended the lead to 61-56 with less than a minute remaining.

Still, Miam-Hamilton refused to yield. A jump shot shortened the lead to 61-58, with a layup coming just seconds later to bring the score to 61-60 with only 24 seconds left in the game. Minick then called a full timeout, bringing the team together one last time. With one final "Our Lady, Queen of Victory, pray for us," the team went back onto the court to try and seal the game for Christendom.

Miami-Hamilton quickly fouled Keller, who made a free throw to extend the lead to 62-60. With eight seconds left, Miami-Hamilton got the ball and charged down the court, ready for a layup — but missed. Libby Kolesar rebounded the ball and was immediately fouled with only 1.6 seconds left on the clock.

The entire team, and Christendom's passionate fans who traveled all the way to Buffalo, were on their feet for Kolesar's free throws. Miami-Hamilton rebounded the ball and made one last throw from beyond half-court, but it was too late. Christendom held on 63-60 and charged the court — national champions once again.

Thomas was unstoppable in the game, dropping 28 points and snagging 13 rebounds to lead the Crusaders. Keller delivered a rock-solid 13 points and eight boards, while Pennefather finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Bonvissuto came up clutch with nine points and three assists as well. 

Accolades and Accomplishments

Pennefather's stellar play earned her Tournament MVP honors, while Thomas capped off her Christendom career with another All-Tournament Team selection — securing her place as one of the program's all-time greats.

The championship was just the crown jewel in a season packed with accolades. Days before the tournament, Thomas was named USCAA Women's Basketball Player of the Year, while Keller earned Student-Athlete of the Year honors—showcasing the academic excellence at the core of Christendom's athletic program. Eight players secured Academic All-American status with GPAs of 3.5 or higher, while Thomas and Pennefather were both named 1st Team All-Americans. Bonvissuto also earned an All-American Honorable Mention, capping off a season of dominance on and off the court.

Winning one national title is hard enough. Winning two back-to-back is nearly unheard of. And yet, Christendom overcame the odds yet again, establishing itself as the best women's DII basketball team in the USCAA. The team's resilience, determination, faithfulness, and commitment to each other shone brighter than ever on Saturday night, as they fully represented the athletic program's motto "for the love of the game and the glory of God."

Four of the team's best players, Thomas, Keller, Bonvissuto, and Bridget McCaughey, will be graduating this year, leaving behind an incredible legacy at the college. During their four years as Christendom Crusaders, they contributed to 86 wins, a winning percentage of 83%, two conference titles, and two national championships — a staggering achievement and a testament to how much they elevated Christendom's women's basketball program.