Saints Fall to Olivet Nazarene in Close Game During the CCAC Quarterfinals

The Holy Cross College women's basketball team struggled offensively in the opening quarter of their CCAC Quarterfinal matchup against Olivet Nazarene, trailing 52-30 at halftime. The Saints had a sluggish start, shooting 3-12 from the field in the first quarter while going 0-3 from three-point range. Turnovers plagued Holy Cross early, committing 14 in the opening frame, limiting their scoring opportunities. Despite the offensive struggles, the Saints held their own on the boards, grabbing 15 total rebounds. Grace Adams (Elkhart, IN / Penn HS) led the early rebounding efforts with 6 boards, while Allie Caldwell (Zionsville, IN / Zionsville HS) provided a small offensive spark with 4 first-quarter points. In the second quarter, Jordyn Smith (Granger, IN / Penn HS) caught fire, scoring 10 points on 2-2 shooting from beyond the arc and a perfect 4-4 at the free-throw line. Kayliana Hammel (New Haven, IN / Bishop Dwenger HS) also found success, adding 6 points on 2-2 shooting. The Saints improved their efficiency, shooting 6-17 from the field and 2-5 from deep, while knocking down 9-10 free throw.

Facing a 19-point deficit at halftime, the Holy Cross College women's basketball team mounted an impressive second-half comeback but fell just short, losing 92-90 to Olivet Nazarene in the CCAC Quarterfinals. The Saints showed improved efficiency in the third quarter, shooting 8-17 from the field and 5-6 from the free-throw line, but they struggled to gain ground, trailing 71-52 heading into the final period. Grace Adams led the way with 7 points, while Allie Caldwell contributed 6 points and 3 steals to keep Holy Cross within striking distance. The fourth quarter saw the Saints erupt for 38 points, their highest-scoring period of the game. They shot 9-16 from the field and dominated at the free-throw line, making an outstanding 95% attempts. Caldwell caught fire, scoring 20 points in the quarter, while Adams added 12 points and 4 rebounds. The game became a back-and-forth battle in the closing minutes, but despite their relentless effort, the Saints fell just short in the final seconds.

 

Score: Holy Cross was defeated by Olivet Nazarene 92-90

Records: Holy Cross (16-13) | Olivet Nazarene (20-9) 

Location: BOURBONNAIS, Ill.

 

Allie Caldwell – 32 points, 8-17 FGM, 15-16 FTM  

Grace Adams- 21 points, 7-15 FGM

Kayliana Hammel – 13 points, 4-10 FGM

 

The Saints had 44 points from the paint 

The Saints went 41.9% from the field, 26.7% from the three-point line, and 89.5% from the free-throw line

Holy Cross won the rebound battle 50-40

The Saints had a total of 11 steals