Livonia, Mich. – Women's Basketball made their way across the state to take on Madonna University for the first time this regular season. The first quarter was slow for both teams, but Madonna held the lead 24-17 in the first. The second quarter seemed to be quiet for Cornerstone as the first two minutes were silent for the Golden Eagles. The Crusaders still held the lead at halftime 34-25. The third saw Madonna to a 10-point lead multiple times, but it ended after strong plays by Cornerstone's offense and defense who tied it up right before the end of the third quarter. The final quarter proved to be the tipping point for Cornerstone as they continued their success from the free throw line, making 22 of 23 on the night to win 68-65. The Golden Eagles will continue conference play before winter break at Cleary University inside of the Gannon Gymnasium on December 6th at 1 p.m.

Game Highlights – Cornerstone – 68 Madonna – 65

• First Quarter

  • Abi Bandstra opened up the scoring for either team with a good layup just under a minute and a half into play to put Cornerstone up 2-0.

  • Laura Innerebner made two free throws to give Cornerstone a four-point lead 10-6.

  • A three pointer fell for Abby Hall with just over a minute left to go in the first quarter, Madonna led 23-15.

  • Two more successful free throws from Abi Bandstra cut the Crusaders' lead to just seven points as Cornerstone trailed 24-17.

• Second Quarter

  • The second quarter began quietly for Cornerstone as they did not add any points to the board until over two minutes into the period with two Abby Hall free throws. Madonna still held the lead 28-19.

  • Two minutes flew by in the second quarter with no points from either team. The silence was broken by a layup from Julie Ashbaugh which cut the Cornerstone deficit to just nine points. Cornerstone was still behind 34-25.

• Third Quarter

  • The first drive of the third quarter was a success for Madonna as they extended their lead to 38-25.

  • Another three pointer from Abby Hall helped to bring Cornerstone within 10 points of the opposition 46-36.

  • The three point play from Gracie Gortmaker brought it back within 10 points, but the Crusaders remained on top 49-39.

  • Another layup from Julie Ashbaugh made it even closer for Cornerstone as they were only behind 49-42.

  • A big layup and a made free throw by Gracie Gortmaker brought Cornerstone within two points of Madonna who still maintained the lead 49-47.

  • The game was tied 49-49, but one final drive for Madonna saw the ball drop through the net to end the quarter 51-49 in Madonna's favor.

• Fourth Quarter

  • The final quarter began with another Gracie Gortmaker layup to tie it back up 51-51. She then re-tied it up 53-53 with two more from the charity line.

  • Cornerstone took the lead with just about seven and a half minutes left to go in regulation off of a Gracie Gortmaker layup 55-53.

  • Madonna retook the lead with under three and a half minutes left to go 59-57.

  • Another bucket by Julie Ashbaugh kept the game within one point as Madonna looked to run out the rest of the clock in the lead 61-60.

  • Two more good free throws from Abi Bandstra made a one-point lead for Cornerstone 62-61.

  • Abi Bandstra made the 20th free throw of the night for Cornerstone to take the lead by one point 66-65 with just 20 seconds left to play.

  • Gracie Gortmaker made the 22nd out of 23 free throws to complete the comeback for Cornerstone as they won 68-65.

By the Numbers 

17/100% – Gracie Gortmaker led her team in total points on the night and went 7-7 from the free throw line, shooting a whopping 100% at the charity stripe.

16/10 – Julie Ashbaugh highlighted the defense with 10 total rebounds on the night along with 16 points of her own.

100%/7 – Another player shot 100% from the free throw line. Going 6-6 was Abi Bandstra who rounded off her performance with seven total rebounds and 10 points on the night.

95.7% – Cornerstone shot 22-23 from the charity stripe to complete their comeback win over the Crusaders of Madonna University. 

What's Next? 

The Golden Eagles will continue conference play before Winter Break at Cleary University inside of the Gannon Gymnasium on December 6th at 1 p.m.

Women's Basketball Contact: Mason Young

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