ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The No. 4 seed Cedar Crest College basketball team edged past fifth-seeded Notre Dame of Maryland University, 61-57, overcoming a first-quarter deficit with a strong fourth-quarter performance. The Falcons secured the win by scoring 21 points in the final quarter and capitalizing on 41 total rebounds.

Cedar Crest started the game by facing an early deficit as the Gators opened with a flurry of scoring, taking a 7-0 lead. The Falcons responded with significant contributions from junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School), who scored the team's first points with a layup at 8:14. A three-pointer by first-year Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy) at 5:15 and a fast-break layup by junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) at 2:51 kept Cedar Crest competitive.

Despite a late push, including a crucial three-pointer by first-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) with 35 seconds remaining, the Falcons trailed at the end of the first quarter. NDMU maintained a slight advantage, leading 21-16.

Cedar Crest surged forward in the second quarter with a decisive scoring drive, initiated by first-year Brooke Leonardi's (Stewartsville, N.J./Phillipsburg) jumper early on, closing the gap to 21–18. A significant moment came when sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) sank a triple at 7:58, following her own defensive steal, helping the Falcons level the score at 22. The team capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks, culminating in a back-and-forth scoring exchange with the Gators.

With the quarter winding down, Cedar Crest maintained its offensive pressure. Rios' layup at the 25-second mark briefly put the team ahead, but Notre Dame of Maryland responded quickly to regain the lead. Despite a late turnover, the Falcons ended the quarter narrowly trailing, with a score of 33-32.

The Falcons initiated the third quarter with a defensive stop and a quick transition layup by Swojak, assisted by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), to regain a narrow lead. Cedar Crest maintained pressure, capitalizing on the Gators' turnovers, with junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) assisting another inside score by Swojak.

Notre Dame of Maryland responded with a layup by junior Amani Watts (Severn, Md.) to momentarily reclaim the lead, but the Falcons' Moore closed the quarter with a decisive layup in the final seconds. Cedar Crest led 40–39 at the end of the third quarter.

The Falcons began the fourth quarter with a quick response, regaining momentum with a defensive rebound by Swojak at 7:59, which led to a layup by Rios at 7:46, bringing the score to 43-42. Despite the Gators briefly extending their lead, Cedar Crest fought back with consecutive free throws by Moore at 6:03, narrowing the gap to 45-44.

As the quarter progressed, the Falcons capitalized on the Gators' turnovers. Bincarosky's layup at 3:06 brought the score to 51-49. Cedar Crest continued to push forward, with a crucial three-pointer by Kerdock at 1:48, shifting the lead to 54-53.

In the final minutes, the Falcons maintained their lead through effective free-throw shooting, including two critical free throws by senior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) at 17 seconds left, pushing the lead to 60-54. Cedar Crest secured the win with a final defensive effort, closing the quarter and game with a 61-57 victory.

Rios scored 13 points and recorded three steals in the game to pace the Falcons. Swojak contributed 10 points and collected nine rebounds, showcasing her presence on the boards. Merchant added four blocks and seven rebounds, providing a strong defensive effort. Kerdock posted six assists and scored six points, facilitating the team's offense effectively. With her six assists, Kerdock set the single season program record and now sits at 129, breaking Kelly Oakes' record of 123 back in 2007. 

Notre Dame of Maryland first-year Raina Burns (Augusta, Ga.) led the offense with 24 points, connecting on 9-of-22 field goals and making 4-of-4 free throws. Burns also contributed with four assists and three steals. Watts recorded a double-double, securing 12 points and 12 rebounds, while sophomore Madison Simmons (Navarre, Fla.) added five points, two assists, and three steals. Junior Marecia Barnett (Tacoma, Wash.) contributed nine points and six rebounds, while also grabbing three steals.

Cedar Crest (18-8 overall) will be on the road to play St. Mary's College of Maryland for the semifinal round on Tuesday, February 24.