SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) -- The Lourdes University women's basketball team opened the 2025 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament with a strong performance, defeating No. 10 Madonna University 65-56 in the play-in game on Monday night inside the Ebeid Recreation Center. With the win, the No. 7 seed Gray Wolves advance to the WHAC quarterfinals, where they will face No. 2 seed Aquinas on the road Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

The Gray Wolves built their lead early, shooting 50% from the field in the first quarter while holding Madonna to just 14.3% shooting to take a 21-8 advantage after 10 minutes. Lourdes extended its lead to as many as 22 points in the second quarter before the Crusaders chipped away, but the Gray Wolves maintained control throughout the night.

Macie Stringfellow led the way with a career-high matching 21-point, eight-rebound effort, shooting an efficient 10-of-16 from the floor. Emma Pedroza added 20 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers while tallying six assists and three steals. Nadeen Jemaa provided a spark on both ends, finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. Tamyah Worthy contributed seven points and five rebounds, while Oliwia Dyja added three points and four boards. Lourdes dominated the glass, outrebounding Madonna 46-34, including a 15-11 edge on the offensive boards, leading to 15 second-chance points.

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With the win, Lourdes improves to 19-10 on the season and now turns its attention to a quarterfinal matchup against Aquinas, who finished 17-5 in WHAC play. The Gray Wolves look to avenge a pair of regular-season losses to the Saints as they continue their postseason run.