Lourdes closed the game on a 12-2 run Wednesday evening as the Gray Wolves pulled away from Madonna down the stretch, defeating the Crusaders 68-50 inside the Alliance Catholic Credit Union Arena in Livonia, Mich.
 
"It did not look pretty but it was a good team effort," head coach John Kenger said following the win.  "The ladies fought hard and executed the game plan at the end of the day."
 
Leah Goodwin (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Reynoldsburg H.S.) scored 19 points, making 9-of-13 shots from the floor and Erica Cary (Central City, Ky./Muehlenberg County H.S.) added 12 points in 10 minutes off the bench, making all six of her free throw attempts.  Sara Semler (Toledo, Ohio/Whitmer H.S.) handed out three assists to become the school's career leader in that category.
 
The Gray Wolves started fast, jumping out to a 12-5 lead, only to have the Crusaders tie the game less than three minutes later.  Leading by four after the opening period, Lourdes extended its advantage to nine, 32-23, at intermission.
 
The lead grew to as many as 12 in the third quarter after a Mary Liedel (Erie, Mich./Mason H.S.) basket before taking an eight-point edge into the final stanza.  Liedel finished the night with nine points and nine rebounds.
 
After Lourdes pushed the lead to 13, Madonna battled back to within eight, 56-48, with under three minutes to play before the Gray Wolves finished with their big run.  Cary had two and-one baskets as she scored eight of her 12 points down the stretch.
 
Shae Pedroza (Napoleon, Ohio/Napoleon H.S.) handed out a game-high eight assists as the Gray Wolves finished the night with 16 helpers and just 11 turnovers.  The Lourdes defense forced 16 turnovers by Madonna.
 
Paige Boden led Madonna (2-7, 2-4 WHAC) with 11 points off the bench as the only Crusader to finish the game in double figures. 
 
Lourdes (4-7, 3-4), winners of two of their last three, will look to move to .500 in Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon as the Gray Wolves travel to Grand Rapids, Mich. to battle Aquinas.  Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center.