LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Holy Cross football team won its eighth Patriot League Championship and second-consecutive conference title when it defeated Bucknell, 33-10, in the first-ever Patriot League Championship Game on Saturday, April 17. 

Junior defensive back John Smith was named the Championship Game MVP after recording an interception with a 58-yard return, along with four tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups.

Holy Cross' (3-0) defense came up with five interceptions and four sacks on the day, while holding Bucknell to just 22 net rushing yards. Sophomore linebacker Jacob Dobbs had nine tackles and an interception, junior linebacker Liam Anderson recorded seven tackles with a sack and interception, and senior defensive lineman Benton Whitley had six tackles and a pair of sacks. 

Freshman quarterback Matthew Sluka had three touchdowns, including a pair of rushing touchdowns, recording 78 yards on 8-of-11 passing while adding 61 rushing yards. 

The Crusaders jumped out to an early 17-0 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Though Bucknell was able to cut that lead to 17-10 early in the third quarter, junior running back Peter Oliver's 37-yard touchdown put the Crusaders back up by 14, and the Holy Cross defense kept the Bison (2-2) off the board for the remainder of the game.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• The Crusaders took an early 7-0 lead after Sluka ran in a six-yard touchdown with 10:29 to go in the first. 
• An interception by Dobbs on the ensuing Bucknell drive gave the Crusaders the ball back at the Bison 15-yard line. Junior kicker Derek Ng was able to convert on a 26-yard field goal attempt to make it a 10-0 game with 8:05 left in the first. 
• With just six seconds remaining in the opening quarter, Sluka connected with freshman wide receiver Byron Shipman for a six-yard touchdown. 
• Bucknell scored a touchdown with 4:20 left in the second quarter after Holy Cross fumbled a 27-yard punt and gave the Bison the ball on the Crusaders' 35. The home team then connected on a field goal with 9:11 left in the third to cut Holy Cross' lead to 17-10. 
• After an onside kick by Bucknell was recovered by Holy Cross junior Anthony Leo, the Crusaders took over at the Bison 45-yard line. Oliver had a pair of four-yard rushes before exploding for a 37-yard touchdown run to give Holy Cross a 24-10 advantage with 8:13 to go in the third.
• Sluka ran in a 15-yard touchdown with 10:51 remaining in the game to extend the lead to 31-10.
• A safety gave the Crusaders a 33-10 lead with 9:07 on the clock. 

UP NEXT: 

• The Crusaders await their first-round opponent in the NCAA football championship subdivision playoffs.
• The selection show, set for Sunday, April 18, will be broadcasted on ESPNU beginning at 11:30 a.m.