Christendom women’s basketball: national champions again. In a Saturday night thriller, the team edged out Miami-Hamilton University 63-60 to become the first team in school history to win back-to-back national titles.
This championship — even more so than last year’s — was the ultimate testament to the grit, preparation, and faith that made this team the best in Christendom’s history. A 23-2 regular season record, a conference championship, and numerous USCAA individual awards, all resulting in the ultimate capstone: finishing as the best in the nation for the second year in a row.
The road back to the ultimate prize started a year ago, just days after the team stunned the USCAA by upsetting the #1, #2, and #3 seeds to win their first national title. Head coach Mary Minick and the rest of her coaching staff immediately began preparing the team for the weight of even higher expectations — a daunting reality for any team, but one that Christendom more than stepped up to face.
Head Coach Mary Minick prepared her team incredibly well, leading them to a second national title.
They cruised through their regular season, thanks in no small part to the outstanding efforts, once again, of star players Catherine Thomas and Mary Pennefather. They set the standard for the team, with Pennefather ranking #3 in total points scored this season with 547, just edging out Thomas’ 539, while also ranking #2 in assists.
All the hours of hard work, both on and off the court, paid off with the team earning a #1 seed in the national championship tournament — a school first. With the expectations for the team only skyrocketing, the Christendom Crusaders began their defense of their national title last Wednesday, defeating #8 Penn State Shenango 86-56, before taking down Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte 71-55 in the semifinal game on Friday.
Finally, on Saturday evening, the women’s basketball team walked out onto the court in Buffalo, New York, for the twenty-eighth game of their long season — the very game they had been training for since March of last year. Taking on #3 Miami-Hamilton in the USCAA DII national championship game, Christendom jumped to a 20-12 lead after the first quarter, stretching that lead to 37-27 by the end of the first half. Pennefather was on fire for the team, leading the team in points scored.
Star player Mary Pennefather was named USCAA Tournament MVP for her outstanding performances across all three games.
Then, the unthinkable happened. Pennefather, the engine of Christendom’s offense, fouled out towards the end of the third quarter, forcing the team to fight on without her for the final twelve minutes of their biggest game.
The hours spent practicing, watching film, and preparing for every possible scenario led to this moment. And the team responded with all the resilience that made them the best in the country. The team came together in a remarkable way, stretching their lead to 52-40 by the end of the third quarter.
With ten minutes left, Christendom clung to their lead — but Miami-Hamilton surged back. A 10-0 run cut the lead to 52-50, and soon the game was tied 56-56 with under three minutes to play.
Then, Regina Bonvissuto — outstanding all season — stepped up. With under two minutes left, she launched a deep three-pointer, draining it to put Christendom back on top. Two free throws from Thomas extended the lead to 61-56 with less than a minute remaining.
Regina Bonvissuto, outstanding all season, shot the miracle 3-pointer that gave Christendom the momentum it needed with less than two minutes left.
Still, Miam-Hamilton refused to yield. A jump shot shortened the lead to 61-58, with a layup coming just seconds later to bring the score to 61-60 with only 24 seconds left in the game. Minick then called a full timeout, bringing the team together one last time. With one final “Our Lady, Queen of Victory, pray for us,” the team went back onto the court to try and seal the game for Christendom.
Miami-Hamilton quickly fouled Keller, who made a free throw to extend the lead to 62-60. With eight seconds left, Miami-Hamilton got the ball and charged down the court, ready for a layup — but missed. Libby Kolesar rebounded the ball and was immediately fouled with only 1.6 seconds left on the clock.
The entire team, and Christendom’s passionate fans who traveled all the way to Buffalo, were on their feet for Kolesar’s free throws. Miami-Hamilton rebounded the ball and made one last throw from beyond half-court, but it was too late. Christendom held on 63-60 and charged the court — national champions once again.
Miranda Keller helped elevate the entire women’s basketball program during her four years, playing some of her best basketball during the 2025 National Championship Tournament.
Thomas was unstoppable in the game, dropping 28 points and snagging 13 rebounds to lead the Crusaders. Keller delivered a rock-solid 13 points and eight boards, while Pennefather finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Bonvissuto came up clutch with nine points and three assists as well. Pennefather’s stellar play earned her Tournament MVP honors, while Thomas capped off her Christendom career with another All-Tournament Team selection — securing her place as one of the program’s all-time greats.
The championship was just the crown jewel in a season packed with accolades. Days before the tournament, Thomas was named USCAA Women’s Basketball Player of the Year, while Keller earned Student-Athlete of the Year honors—showcasing the academic excellence at the core of Christendom’s athletic program. Eight players secured Academic All-American status with GPAs of 3.5 or higher, while Thomas and Pennefather were both named 1st Team All-Americans. Bonvissuto also earned an All-American Honorable Mention, capping off a season of dominance on and off the court.
Catherine Thomas, Christendom’s all-time leading women’s basketball scorer, earned All-Tournament, All-American, and Player of the Year honors from the USCAA in her final season of play.
Winning one national title is hard enough. Winning two back-to-back is nearly unheard of. And yet, Christendom overcame the odds yet again, establishing itself as the best women’s DII basketball team in the USCAA. The team’s resilience, determination, faithfulness, and commitment to each other shone brighter than ever on Saturday night, as they fully represented the athletic program’s motto “for the love of the game and the glory of God.”
Four of the team’s best players, Thomas, Keller, Bonvissuto, and Bridget McCaughey, will be graduating this year, leaving behind an incredible legacy at the college. During their four years as Christendom Crusaders, they contributed to 86 wins, a winning percentage of 83%, two conference titles, and two national championships — a staggering achievement and a testament to how much they elevated Christendom’s women’s basketball program.
Christendom Crusaders: national champs again.
Thanks to their efforts and others, a foundation is now laid for even more success going forward. Can Christendom’s women’s basketball team make history with a three-peat? Only time will tell — but this team believes the best is yet to come.
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