The Holy Cross Women emerged victorious in a classic Patriot League rivalry game, defeating the Army Women 61-55 in an NCAA tournament first-round matchup. The contest began at 6:00 AM on March 13, 2026, at the Hart Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, providing an early-morning spectacle for fans. This win propels Holy Cross deeper into the tournament, while Army's impressive season concludes in a closely fought battle that showcased the intensity of service academy athletics.
The game was a back-and-forth affair with multiple lead changes. Holy Cross came out with sharp ball movement, building a small lead in the first quarter. Army responded with their trademark disciplined half-court offense, taking a narrow lead into halftime. The turning point came in the third quarter when Holy Cross implemented a full-court press, forcing several turnovers that led to easy baskets and a 10-point swing. Army, demonstrating characteristic grit, clawed back in the fourth quarter behind strong three-point shooting, tying the game with four minutes remaining. The final minutes were decided by Holy Cross's star guard, who scored seven consecutive points, including a deep three-pointer as the shot clock expired, to give her team a lead they would not relinquish. A key focus was the battle on the boards, where Holy Cross held a slight advantage that proved decisive in securing second-chance points.
This victory moves Holy Cross forward in the tournament, building confidence with a win over a familiar foe. For Army, the loss is a tough end to a season marked by teamwork and tenacity. After the final buzzer, the Holy Cross coach emphasized the rivalry's spirit, saying, "Playing Army is always a tremendous challenge. They are so well-coached and never quit. I'm proud of our players for matching that intensity and making the big plays in crunch time." The Army coach reflected on her team's character, noting, "This game exemplifies who we are. We fought for every inch. It didn't go our way today, but I couldn't be prouder of this team and what they've accomplished this year."