Women's Basketball Falls to St. Xavier

First Half:

The Holy Cross College women's basketball team put together an impressive first half, building a 38-28 lead at the break behind efficient shooting and strong defensive play. The Saints came out firing in the first quarter, scoring 25 points on 53% shooting. Kayliana Hammel (New Haven, IN / Bishop Dwenger HS) led the way early, scoring 6 points while dishing out 3 assists. Allie Caldwell (Zionsville, IN / Zionsville HS) provided a scoring boost with 5 points, including a three-pointer, while Grace Adams (Elkhart, IN / Penn HS) controlled the glass with 5 rebounds. Audrey Tallent and Lilly Toppen each knocked down a three-pointer off the bench to add to the offensive momentum. The second quarter saw the Saints slow down offensively, shooting just 25% from the field and 1-for-8 from beyond the arc. However, their defensive pressure kept them in control, limiting their opponent's second-chance opportunities. Caldwell and Adams each went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, while Jordyn Smith (Granger, IN / Penn HS) added two points and 2 rebounds.

Second Half: 

After holding a 56-50 lead going into the final 10 minutes, the Holy Cross College women's basketball team struggled in the second half, ultimately falling to St. Xavier 76-64. The third quarter saw the Saints continue to hold their advantage with a solid offensive effort, shooting 46.7% from the field. Jordyn Smith and Kayliana Hammel each contributed four points, while Grace Adams chipped in with 4 points and 3 rebounds. The Saints also kept up their defensive intensity, holding St. Xavier to just 18 points in the third. However, the momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. Holy Cross was held to just 2-of-17 shooting from the field, and their offense could not find a rhythm. The Saints' lead evaporated as they were outscored 26-8 in the final period. Jordyn Smith and Allie Caldwell both made free throws, but the team struggled with shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, and St. Xavier capitalized on the Saints' offensive drought.