SYLVANIA, OH. – The Madonna Crusaders women's basketball team (14-14, 7-13 WHAC) traveled to Lourdes University to take on the Gray Wolves (18-10, 12-8 WHC) in the play-in round of the WHAC Tournament. The Crusaders would fall to the Gray Wolves 65-56, ending their 2024-25 campaign.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Coming off a pair of wins to end their regular season, the Crusaders hoped to come out on top, both teams post-season hopes riding on the outcome of this winner-take-all matchup. The Gray Wolves were 2-0 against the Crusaders entering this game and would look to make it three.

The Gray Wolves would come out of the gate strong, shooting 4-6 from the field in the opening minutes of play to capture an early lead. Shooting efficiency would be the main differentiator in the first half, the Gray Wolves shooting 16-for-34 from the field and the Crusaders 8-for-29, 0-for-9 from the three-point line. The Gray Wolves would lead 21-8 after the first quarter of play end would remain in the lead at the halfway mark, the Crusaders trailing 21-to-38. Chenelle King would be the points leader for the Crusaders, with eight in the contest so far.

The Crusaders would be held scoreless for the opening two minutes of the third quarter, Faith Jungwirth getting them going with three layups back-to-back, going on a 10-point run in the third. The Crusaders' shooting would improve to 47%, but the Gray Wolves would hold their lead, the score 51-39 after three. In the fourth, Marcela Rodriguez would give the Crusaders their first points from three-point range, followed by another three by Dekota Smith to help the Crusaders narrow the gap to eight. Rodriguez would capture another three to make it five with five to go, putting pressure on the home side. The Crusaders would rally late in the fourth, but it wasn't enough, the Gray Wolves taking the game 65-56.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

● Jungwirth would end her night with 18 points, and six rebounds
● King would have 10 points on the night, leading her team in assist with eight
● Rodriguez would total eight points

UP NEXT:

The Crusaders will head into the off-season looking to regroup for the 2025-26 season. They end their 2024-25 campaign with an overall record of 14-5, 7-14 in conference play.

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