RADNOR, Pa. – For the second consecutive year, the Cabrini women's basketball remained the last team standing, as the Cavaliers claimed their second straight Colonial states Athletic Conference championship. The Blue and used a balanced scoring effort and stifling defense to score an 88-59 win over the Immaculata University Mighty Macs.
The victory improved Cabrini to 23-4, while earning the program's seventh league crown. This also marks the second time the program has won back to back titles, accomplishing the feat in 2008 and 2009. By virtue of today's win, the Cavaliers earned the CSAC's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the school's eighth appearance.
Senior Colleen Stewart was named the championship game Most Valuable Player after recording 13 points, seven rebound and three blocked shots in 25 minutes. Fellow senior Annie Rivituso matched a career high with 18 points to go with her eight rebounds.
Senior Brittany Sandone led all scorers with 19 points and moved into fifth place on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,337 career points. Junior Amber Keys added 15 points and three steals in 15 minutes off the bench.
Playing perhaps their last game at Nerney Field House, Cabrini's four seniors, Maggie McElroy, Rivituso, Sandone and Stewart were determined to lead the Blue and White to victory. The team responded from the opening tip.
Rivituso scored the game's first five points and eight of the first 10, as Cabrini jumped out to an early 16-2 just over five minutes into the game. Minutes later, a 10-0 gave the Blue and White a commanding 28-6 lead with 9:58 left in the first half.
While Cabrini shot over 46% from the floor, it was its defense and rebounding that led to its 42-25 halftime lead. Immaculata managed just 8-22 from the floor and committed 14 turnovers, leading to 13 Cabrini points. The Cavaliers also grabbed 10 offensive rebounds, resulting in 10 points, and outscored the Mighty Macs 26-10 in the paint.
The Cavaliers showed no let-up after the break, as it improved to 52% shooting. Cabrini's defensive pressure continued to cause problems for Immaculata, who shot just 12-37 from the field, including 1-13 from three point range. The Mighty Macs got as close as 14 points at 46-32 with 17:36 to play but a 14-0 run extended the lead to 69-36 with 10:36 left.
Cabrini controlled the paint, outscoring the Mighty Macs 46-24 in the lane and building a 43-34 rebounding advantage. Fifteen of those boards came on the offensive side of the floor and led to 20 points.
Junior Megan Decker stuffed the stat sheet, recording seven points, nine rebounds, four assists and six steals. Sophomore Kristina Startare matched Decker with seven points in the win.
Junior Adriana Sciascia led the Mighty Macs (19-9) with 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while junior Brittany Merkle posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers must now wait until Monday's NCAA Selection Show to learn their tournament fate. The show will be broadcast on NCAA.com on Monday at 2:30 p.m.