Box Score DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Madonna University's Women's Basketball team was back in action Friday afternoon to take on the Trinity Christain University (Ill.) Trolls in the Trojan Classic and fell 72-64.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Crusaders were without their leading scorer Sharon Woodard as freshman Josie Piergentili took Woodard's spot in the starting lineup. To start the game, the Crusaders struggled to get on the board, missing their first five shots and didn't score until four minutes into the game as they found themselves trailing 7-2. After that, the Crusaders found a groove and went on a 10-3 run to take a 12-10 lead. 

Senior Sarah Tanderys created a big spark for the Crusaders. Tanderys stepped up in Woodard's absence scoring 13 points in the first half on 5-9 shooting and was 75% from three-point range. Despite Tanderys efforts, the Trolls would close the half on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to nine. 

In the third quarter, it was a back and forth game for the most part with both teams trading baskets, and the Crusaders found themselves down by 13 after the third. In the fourth quarter, the Trolls continued their momentum and were leading 67-46 with 4:46 left in the game. However, just like their last game, the Crusaders went on a big 18-5 run to only trail by eight points. Despite Madonna's late surge, they lost this one 72-64.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 
 

• Megan Aho lead the crusaders with 24 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals
• Tanderys provided a spark with 13 points and three assists
• April Hudelson finished the game with 10 points, six rebounds, and two steals
• Piergentili in her first start finished with eight points and two rebounds

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will return to the court tomorrow for their second game of the Trojan Classic against the hosts, Trinity International University (Ill.) at Van Dixhorn Arena, tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. E.T. 

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