TIGERBALL ADVANCES TO CCAC SEMIS WITH WIN OVER HOLY CROSS

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – With a trip to the CCAC semifinals on the line, Olivet Nazarene held off a furious fourth-quarter rally from Holy Cross to claim a 92-90 victory Wednesday night at McHie Arena. The Tigers saw their 22-point first-half lead trimmed to a single possession in the final minute but held firm, thanks to clutch free throws and key defensive stops down the stretch. 

The game opened with a defensive standstill, as neither team scored in the first few minutes. ONU broke the drought with a 12-2 run, fueled by Olivia Dirkse and Khendel Rolison, and limited Holy Cross to 25% shooting in the first quarter. Dirkse knocked down a pair of threes, scoring six of her 15 points in the period, while Rolison added a three of her own. The Tigers' defensive pressure forced 14 first-quarter turnovers, helping them build a 21-7 advantage. 

Holy Cross responded in the second quarter, finding some offensive rhythm and shooting 35.3% from the field. ONU, however, continued to control the pace, outscoring the Saints 31-23 in the period. Rolison led the way with six points in the quarter, while Bett O'Neal knocked down a three. The Tigers were efficient at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 12 attempts to maintain their advantage. ONU carried a 52-30 lead into the break.

The Saints continued to push in the third, outscoring ONU 22-19, but the Tigers found contributions across the lineup to keep control. Hattie Hagedorn provided a spark off the bench, knocking down a three, while Lindsey Nell and Brooklyn Marshall each added four points in the quarter. ONU continued to attack the glass, collecting ten rebounds to limit second-chance opportunities. Despite shooting 40% in the frame, ONU saw its lead trimmed to 71-52 entering the fourth.

Holy Cross made its strongest push in the final quarter, pouring in 38 points while shooting 56.3%. ONU weathered the surge with key contributions from Dirkse, who hit four free throws down the stretch, and O'Neal, who scored seven of her 10 points in the frame. The Tigers also capitalized on turnovers, scoring 20 points off Holy Cross' miscues. ONU finished with four players in double figures, with Dirkse and Rolison leading the way with 15 points each.

Looking Ahead

ONU now shifts its focus to the CCAC semifinals, where it will host the University of St. Francis on Feb. 28th, at 5:30 p.m. CST.

—ONU—

*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu