The reigning champs are back at it. Christendom’s women’s basketball team, which finished the first half of their 2024-25 season with an undefeated record, dominated their opponents this past week, rolling over Patrick Henry and Mid-Atlantic Christian to pick up their twelfth and thirteenth wins of the season.
The women’s basketball team, fresh off their 2023-24 USCAA national championship, is making a strong case for a repeat, with the team currently holding the #2 ranking in the USCAA through the first seven weeks of the season (the team has held the #1 ranking for four of those seven weeks).
After a tough 80-75 loss in their first game post-Christmas break, Christendom regrouped and responded in a big way, winning their next two games before welcoming Patrick Henry College to campus for the first home game of 2025. Christendom won the game handily 79-37 for their third-straight win, before heading back out for the start of a nine-game road trip.
The momentum carried over into Saturday’s matchup against Mid-Atlantic Christian. From the opening whistle, Christendom was relentless. A stunning 22-0 first-quarter performance set the tone, and they never looked back, cruising to an 80-22 victory. The duo of Mary Pennefather and Catherine Thomas was electric, combining for 56 points. Pennefather added 11 rebounds to her 30-point night, while Thomas contributed 26 points to cap off the blowout.
The game also marked two huge milestones for the Lady Crusaders, including Head Coach Mary Minick’s 100th career win. Minick has transformed the women’s basketball team since joining as head coach, helping make it one of the most dominant teams in the USCAA. In addition, one of Thomas’ 26 points on the night was her 2000th as a Lady Crusader — a new record in program history, and a testament to Thomas’ incredible impact in her first three years with the team.
Now sitting at 13-1, the women’s basketball team is ready to close out January with a statement game against Penn State Mont Alto on Wednesday, January 29.
Men’s Basketball
The men’s basketball team returned from Christmas break with back-to-back heartbreaking losses, falling 52-51 and 68-63 in their first weekend of play in 2025. After suffering another loss last Monday to Regent University, the team looked to bounce back in a home game against Patrick Henry on Thursday. The game was just what the team needed to turn things around, with Christendom winning 85-61 to pick up their fourth win of the season.
On Saturday, the team traveled to Mid-Atlantic Christian University. After a hard-fought first half, the team fell behind MACU, ultimately losing 67-57. Bobby Vander Woude led the team with 16 points, with Daniel Schultz right behind him with 12 points.
The team will next play Penn State Mont Alto on the road on Wednesday, January 29.
For schedules, stats, and more, head to christendomathletics.com.