SAINT MARYS CITY, Md. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team fell to St. Mary's College of Maryland, 39-32, on Wednesday night in the United East Conference Championship Tournament Semifinals.

The Falcons opened the first quarter with a strong performance, capitalizing on its early opportunities. Sophomore Ginger Kerdock's (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) three-pointer at the 9:08 mark set the tone, followed by a layup from junior Samora Merchant (Danbury, Conn./Henry Abbott Technical) to establish a lead. Cedar Crest maintained momentum with defensive stops, highlighted by three steals. Sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) contributed significantly, hitting two triples and a free throw to extend the visitor's lead. The Falcons' defense limited the Seahawks to just seven points in the opening 10 minutes and led 12–7 at the close of the one stanza.

Cedar Crest began the second quarter with a defensive intensity, highlighted by two blocks and four steals. Despite these defensive efforts, the Falcons struggled with turnovers, committing 13 in the quarter. Cedar Crest maintained scoring pressure with Merchant leading with key baskets, including a fast-break layup assisted by Kerdock, which briefly gave the Falcons an 18–14 advantage.

However, the St. Mary's capitalized on the Cedar Crest turnovers and bench contributions, scoring 11 points off the bench. The Seahawks closed the quarter with a free throw by sophomore Keira Mason (Brandywine, Md.) to take the lead. As the half concluded, the Falcons trailed 20–18, setting up a closely contested second half.

Cedar Crest faced challenges in the third quarter, marked by a scoring drought and turnovers. Despite a strong defensive effort resulting in three steals and two blocks, the team struggled offensively, connecting on just one of 14 field goal attempts. Bincarosky provided a spark with a late three-pointer at 2:53, but the Falcons were unable to maintain momentum.

St. Mary's took advantage of Cedar Crest's turnovers, scoring four points off turnovers and six points from the bench. The frame concluded with the Falcons trailing, as the Seahawks extended their lead to 28-21.

Cedar Crest opened the fourth quarter by capitalizing on turnovers from St. Mary's with five steals, maintaining a strong defensive presence. Merchant's free throw early on cut into the deficit, and junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) added a point from the line. The Falcons continued to press, and Kerdock's layup narrowed the gap to 36-25.

First-year Gabrielle Moore's (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) offensive rebound and layup brought Cedar Crest within single digits, followed by Bincarosky converting two free throws to further close the gap. Cedar Crest's defense remained tight, forcing turnovers and keeping the score competitive.

In the final minute, Kerdock's three-pointer, assisted by junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), brought the Falcons closer at 36-32. However, the Seahawks responded with a three-pointer to end the quarter, concluding the period ahead, 39-32.

Kerdock posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds while adding six steals to her performance to pace Cedar Crest. Bincarosky led the team in scoring with 12 points, including three three-pointers, and converted all three of her free throw attempts. Merchant recorded four blocks and contributed seven points. Rios contributed defensively with two blocks and five rebounds.

Mason led St. Mary's with 15 points and contributed significantly on defense with three blocks and five steals. Mason also dominated the boards, securing 10 rebounds. Senior Tramarie Mobray (Glen Burnie, Md.) was a defensive standout with seven steals, adding four rebounds and three assists. Sophomore Halimah Hajhassan (Falls Church, Va.) added five points and two blocks, while sophomore Saffiyah Gibson (Fort Washington, Md.) contributed three points and two steals.

Despite the loss, Cedar Crest (18-9 overall) has put a bid in for the 2026 ECAC Division III Women's Basketball Championship and will await to see if their name will be announced on Monday, March 2. St. Mary's (22-5 overall) advances to the United East Conference Tournament Championship Game and will host third-seeded Penn State Abington on Saturday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m.