Christendom’s women’s basketball team accomplished one of the rarest feats in sports last season: securing back-to-back USCAA National Championships. Their quest for an even more remarkable achievement — a third consecutive title — began last week with a season-opening win over Penn State York, setting the tone for a year filled with heightened expectations.
The women’s basketball team entered last season as the #1 team in the USCAA and never relinquished that position, storming through their schedule and ultimately capturing a nail-biting national championship, becoming the first team in Christendom history to win back-to-back national titles. Returning to St. Louis the Crusader Gymnasium for the first time since winning the national title, the team opened their new campaign last week with a newer, younger roster.
Facing DII opponent Penn State York, Christendom jumped out to a commanding 15–4 lead in the first quarter, only to see their advantage slip away by halftime. Trailing 24–19 entering the second half, sisters Mary and Lucy Pennefather took control of the game, mounting a relentless offensive surge. Their efforts lifted Christendom to a hard-fought 51–48 victory, the team’s first win of the season.
Mary Pennefather led the night with 24 points, while freshman Lucy followed closely with 18. Lucy also dominated the boards with 16 rebounds, with Mary adding 13 of her own.
Christendom will travel next to face Mary Baldwin on Tuesday, December 2.
Men’s Basketball
The men’s basketball team aimed to halt their early-season slide last week in a match against Penn State York. Entering the game at 1–3 on the year, Christendom struggled through the first half, falling behind 47–29. Despite a stronger showing after halftime, the deficit proved too large to overcome, and the team ultimately fell 88–64, moving to 1–4 on the year.
Bobby and Luke Vander Woude led Christendom in scoring with 19 and 13 points, respectively. Daniel Schultz added 11 points, while John Fowler contributed 10.
The team will also face Mary Baldwin on Tuesday, December 2.
For more information, visit christendomathletics.com.