WORCESTER, Mass. – Sophomore forward Lindsay Berger was an absolute force in the paint producing her first career double-double as the Holy Cross women's basketball team earned a wire-to-wire 56-49 victory versus New Hampshire during their home opener Wednesday evening in the Hart Center Arena.

Berger scored a career-high 17 points to go with personal-bests in rebounds (14) and blocked shots (4) all while shooting 6-of-9 (66.7%) powering the Crusaders (2-1) to the win over the Wildcats (2-2). Berger was joined in double figures by freshman guard Kaitlyn Flanagan (12) and junior forward Janelle Allen (10).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Holy Cross scored the first four points of the game. Ahead by one, the Crusaders used a 7-0 binge following a wide open Allen shot on the left block for the 13-5 edge. Berger scored her seventh point of the quarter to expand the lead back to eight, 17-9.
• From there the Wildcats poured in seven straight markers from the end of the first into the second to come within one 17-16. The Crusader scoreless stretch halted when freshman guard Mary-Elizabeth Donnelly knocked down a three from the top of the point to lead 20-16. A Breezie Williams layup made it a one possession game at the 2:15 mark, 24-21. The Crusaders led by five at the break.
• A Berger block led to another Donnelly trifecta this time from the corner assisted by senior Addisyn Cross to build up their largest lead of the contest. 37-25. Flanagan reestablished the 12 point margin with a second chance bucket at the 1:49 mark.
• Seven consecutive by the guests dropped the Crusader lead to five following two Adara Groman freebies just 32 seconds into the fourth quarter. Berger again built the lead back to 12 corralling an offensive carom and a layup for two. Berger tallied the double-double by securing a board on offense and finding Flanagan for the right wing three with 7:11 to go. New Hampshire came within six twice, but could not get any closer.

OUTSIDE THE BOX:

• 10 of Berger's 14 rebounds came in the second half, all four of her blocks came over the final 20 minutes.
• 30 of the Crusaders' 56 points came from the paint. They shot 54% (15-of-28) from the post.
• Flanagan did not miss a shot from the field in the second half (4-for-4, 2-for-2 3PT). She also dished out a contest-best four assists.
• The Crusaders turned the ball over 15 times in the first half. Holy Cross had only two turnovers in the third quarter and seven in the fourth.

UP NEXT:

• Holy Cross hosts Connecticut College on Sunday, Nov. 20.
• Tip-off is slated for 1 p.m.
• Season tickets and single-game tickets for the 2022-23 campaign are now on sale through the Holy Cross Ticket Office.

 
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