Women's Basketball Beats IUSB 79-66

The Holy Cross College Saints opened their matchup against IUSB with a solid defensive presence but faced challenges converting on offense. The Saints ended the first quarter trailing, 18-13, despite a balanced effort from their starters. Allie Caldwell (Zionsville, IN / Zionzville HS) led the scoring for Holy Cross, contributing 5 points including a three-pointer, while Brooke Lindesmith (Crown Point, IN / Crown Point HS) added 4 points, shooting an efficient 2-for-3 from the field. Kayliana Hammel (New Haven, IN / Bishop Dwenger HS) and Jordyn Smith each chipped in with 2 points.

The Saints battled hard in the second quarter, narrowing the gap but still trailing IUSB 32-28 at halftime. Holy Cross scored 15 points in the period, with contributions coming from both the starters and the bench. Kayliana Hammel led the charge in the quarter with 4 points and 3 rebounds, continuing to provide a strong presence. Off the bench, Audrey Tallent (Plainfield, IN / Plainfield HS) and Lilly Toppen (Demotte, IN / Kankakee Valley High School) delivered a much-needed spark, each knocking down a three-pointer. Tallent was especially efficient, going 2-for-2 from the field for 5 points. Heading into the second half, Holy Cross trails by just 4 points and was looking to build on their defensive efforts while improving their offensive to overtake the Titans.

The Saints outscored IUSB 25-13 to take control of the game with a 45-53 lead heading into the final period. Holy Cross delivered a balanced offensive attack and tightened up defensively. Lilly Toppen was unstoppable off the bench, going a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, including a three-pointer, to score 7 points. Grace Adams (Elkhart, IN / Penn HS) added 5 points to maintain the Saints' momentum. Allie Caldwell found her rhythm, contributing 6 points, while Kayliana Hammel continued her strong play, scoring 5 points, including a three-pointer.

The Saints held their composure in a tightly contested fourth quarter, securing a 79-66 victory over IUSB. Holy Cross outscored the Titans 26-21 in the final period, relying on clutch free-throw shooting and a balanced offensive effort to close out the game. Jordyn Smith (Granger, IN / Penn HS) had a standout quarter, scoring 11 points on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, including a three-pointer, and going 4-for-7 from the free-throw line. Her effort down the stretch proved crucial in maintaining the Saints' lead. Kayliana Hammel added 6 points, knocking down a three-pointer and contributing a strong defensive presence with 3 steals in the quarter. Allie Caldwell was flawless at the line, converting 4-for-4 free throws to help seal the win. Grace Adams contributed on both ends, hitting 2 free throws, grabbing 2 rebounds, and dishing out 2 assists. Brooke Lindesmith chipped in with a free throw and 5 total rebounds, anchoring the Saints' efforts on the boards. The Saints showed determination, using a dominant second half to claim the win. They improved to 79-66 and will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup.