Fort Wayne, Ind. -- The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Lady Cougars took on the Grace College Lancers in the first round of the Crossroads League tournament on Tuesday night. They advanced with a big win in the Hutzell Athletic Center, 75-67.

This was a tight game from start to finish. With the intensity of the tournament playing a factor, the Lady Cougs took a 3 point lead heading into the 2nd quarter behind 2 big threes from Isabella Gizzi. They continued to battle back and forth and went into the half up 31-29. A huge 3rd quarter from Chloe McKnight gave the Lady Cougs a lot of momentum heading into the fourth. She had 14 points in the quarter, going 4-4 from three including a deep one from the logo. Despite the Lancers putting pressure on the Lady Cougs, they were able to stay calm and hit big free throws to pull this one out, 75-67. 

There were many key players for USF in this one. Chloe McKnight had 25 points and 8 rebounds, going 6-11 from three. Isabella Gizzi was also lights out from behind the arc, going 4-5 with 18 total points. Off the bench, Taylor Fordyce had 12 of her own to go along with 5 assists and 6 rebounds. 

The Lady Cougs are now 18-10 overall and move on to semifinals. They will take on the number one ranked Knights at Marian University on Friday, March 1^st at 7pm.

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.

- Sam Pesa -