The Christendom Crusaders are making noise and Saturday’s comeback thriller against Williamson only added to their growing reputation. Just ten days after shocking No. 1 Penn State Mont Alto on the road — the first time Christendom defeated a No. 1 ranked team in program history — the Crusaders delivered another statement victory, rallying from behind to edge out No. 14 Williamson 55-52.
Men’s Basketball
The men’s basketball team made a statement to the rest of the USCAA just ten days ago with their win over Penn State Mont Alto — a stunning result that made other teams look twice at Christendom’s young team. A tough loss to Manor College last weekend threatened to stall their momentum, but back on their home court for the first time since January 23, the Crusaders were determined to bounce back.
The first half saw Christendom struggling to find their rhythm, trailing 28-25 at the break. But in the second half, the Crusaders flipped the script. Led by a stellar 16-point performance from Bobby Vander Woude and key contributions from Edmund Thomas and Daniel Schultz, Christendom ramped up the intensity, wearing down Williamson’s defense and clawing their way back into the game — ultimately winning 55-52.
Up next, they’ll hit the road for a showdown with Frederick CC on Monday, February 10.
Women’s Basketball
The top-ranked Christendom women’s basketball team continued their dominance early in the week, picking up their seventh and eighth straight wins with commanding victories over Washington Adventist (52-47) and Central Penn (85-50). Catherine Thomas and Mary Pennefather continued their reign as the USCAA’s most dangerous duo, leading the charge in their respective matchups.
But Saturday’s road test against Hollins was a different story. For the first time all season, Christendom found themselves on their heels from the opening tip. Hollins controlled the tempo on both ends of the floor, forcing the Crusaders into uncharacteristic mistakes. Despite another strong effort from Thomas, Christendom never found their groove, falling 70-44—marking just their second loss of the season and their lowest offensive output all year.
With their win streak snapped, the Crusaders will look to reset and rebound when they face NCAA DIII Trinity on Wednesday.
For more updates, visit christendomathletics.com.