Uniontown, PA - It seemed like déjà vu.  Very similar to the 2017 USCAA National Tournament, the Lady Mustangs found themselves in a bit of a funk during the national semifinal game again this year.  The similarities of early foul trouble, a poor shooting percentage, being out-rebounded, and a lack of flow to the game seemed all to familiar.  Fortunately, the recipe for disaster was not enough to stop CM, as they pulled out the 71-58 win over Penn State Brandywine.

Kristen Huntress and Natalie Thurber hit 7 of the 8 three pointers for the Mustangs, connecting on 50% of their shots from beyond the arc.  Thurber finished with a team-high 12 points, while Huntress connected for 11.  Battling foul trouble all night, Jordyn Reynolds was able to play a solid second half, tallying 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 blocks.  Brooke Reynolds notched a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals, while Jane Lester hit for double figured for the second straight game, finishing with 10 points.  Kristina Blais dished out a game-high 7 assists, while Alex Bessey finished with 9 points and 5 steals.

Brandi James was the lone scorer in double-figures for the Lions, finishing with 17 points and 12 rebounds.  Penn State Brandywine, who won the PSUAC Tournament Championship, finished with a record of 22-7.

The Lady Mustangs assisted on 20 of their 23 made field goals while forcing 19 turnovers, and after shooting a dismal 26% in the first half, they connected on 45% of their shots in the final two quarters.

With the win CM advances to their second straight USCAA National Championship game at 3:15pm today.  They will take on the #2 seed of the tournament, Johnson and Wales - Charlotte (NC) who are winners of 13 straight and sit at 21-4 overall.  The Wildcats defeated Villa Maria (NY) in the semifnals, 65-47, who is one of only two common opponents between the two teams.