The Crusaders' victory came a day after the team upset previously undefeated Fox Valley Lutheran in the quarterfinals. Trailing, 31-27, going into the fourth quarter, the Crusaders battled back. I saw it, gave it a little prayer and put it up there. It went in and that's all that matters. DSHA battled tough in the fourth quarter with the game going back and forth, but a pair of missed free throws with 19.2 seconds left handed Memorial the victory.
Little mistakes hurt.
Sophomore center Tanya Kassenich led the Crusaders with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Pius wasted no time in gaining control, opening the game with a 10-0 run and never trailing. Junior forward Shawna Nicols led the Lady Popes with 16 points, playing in just her third game after returning from a torn left knee ligament. It's good to have that All-American back. Nicols also grabbed four rebounds and dished out six assists.