Vander Woude, Dotson, Ethridge Combine for 64 in Home-Opening Victory

Front Royal, VA- The Crusaders took on the Sentinels of Patrick Henry in front of a packed student section, where they would come out with a 77-47 victory. 

The beginning of the first half was a bit of a struggle for Christendom. Some sloppy defense along with struggling to hit open looks on offense allowed the Sentinels to jump out to a lead by as much as 9, when they led 17-8. The Crusaders chipped away at that lead, powered primarily by some big shots from John Paul Vander Woude (Sophomore/ Nokesville, VA). The Crusaders would make their big run with 4:20 remaining in the first half, when trailing by 2. They would go on to outscore Patrick Henry 18-0 for the remainder of the half to go into the half up 16, the score being 38-22.

The second half was less dramatic than the first. Consistent team play from the Crusaders throughout the half allowed them to keep the Sentinels at bay, while also expanding their lead even further. The Crusaders would outscore Patrick Henry 39-25, to win by a final score of 77-47. 

Vander Woude led the Crusaders with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists. Peter Ethridge (Sophomore/ Phoenix, AZ) and Joe Dotson (Junior/ Manassas, VA) would both add 20 points each, resulting in 64 combined points for the three guards. Ethridge also had 6 rebounds, and Dotson chipped in with 4 assists. 

This win marks the first time in over 10 years where both the Men's and Women's programs have started the season 2-0. 

The Crusaders have an exhibition game against the alumni of Christendom Basketball on Tuesday before heading off on Thanksgiving Break, before coming back and taking on NCAA foe McDaniel College on the road on December 2nd.