WASHINGTON, DC – The fourth-seeded Catholic University women's basketball team hosted the fifth-seeded Moravian University in the Landmark Conference First Round. The Cardinals took care of business and defeated the Greyhounds 76 to 65.
The Cardinals opened the game with an offensive heater, scoring seven points in a row with layups from Anna Scoblick and a three from Lauren Kraft. The Greyhounds fought back, tying the game at 11 points apiece with four minutes remaining in the quarter. The score tied two more times in the first, ending with both squads at 15 points at the end of the quarter.
With just over five minutes remaining in the quarter, a jumper from Lizzie Lustig gave the Greyhounds a six point lead. Despite falling behind, the Cardinals continued to battle. McKenna Karlson answered with a jumper, starting a 7 point streak. Moravian once again tied the score and pulled while at the free throw line. The Cardinals and Greyhounds went back-and-forth a couple more times before Karlson scored five points in a row to give Catholic the 38-33 lead heading into the locker room. The Cardinals scored an impressive 23 points in the second quarter.
Catholic continued its offensive pressure in the third quarter, once again reaching double digits with 21 points. The Cardinal defensive also had its best quarter, holding the Greyhounds to 12 points and logging 11 defensive rebounds. Karlson added to her day with a pair of made free throws to open the half for the Cardinals. Amelia Kennedy also went to the charity stripe in the early minutes and added two more points to the board. A layup by Sofia Traviesogave the Cardinals their first double digit lead of the game with three minutes left in the third quarter. Molly McLaughlin helped build the lead with a three pointer. Catholic ended the third up 59 to 45.
Travieso opened the quarter with a jumper, setting the tone for the remainder of the matchup. Five Cardinals scored in the quarter, with Travieso, Karlson, and Kraft all adding four points. The Greyhounds attempted to battle back and hold onto their season by outscoring the Cardinals 20 to 17 in the final ten minutes, but it was not enough to overcome the Cardinals lead. Catholic secured the 76 to 65 win, earning the opportunity to advance to the Landmark Conference Semifinals.
McKenna Karlson dazzled in today's win over the Greyhounds, collecting a career-high 21 points. This was highlighted by her 11 point performance in the second quarter. The sophomore also logged five rebounds and a pair of steals.
Carly Catania also reached double digit points, scoring 11. The sophomore also tallied five steals and five rebounds.
Junior Molly McLaughlin was a key contributor off of the bench scoring eight points in her 19 and a half minutes. Brooke Kroptavich also earned significant minutes (9:49) in today's matchup. The freshman also collected an assist and a defensive rebound.
With today's win, Catholic survives and advances to the Landmark Conference Semifinals. The fourth-seeded Cardinals will travel up to Scranton, Pa. to take on the first-seeded Royals on Thursday, February 26th. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in the John Long Center.