EASTON, Pa. (Interstat) — The Holy Cross women’s basketball team defeated Lafayette 53-44 in a Patriot League matchup Wednesday night at Kirby Sports Center.

The Crusaders built an early lead with a 19-point first quarter and maintained control throughout. Meg Cahalan led Holy Cross with 15 points. Teresa Kiewiet scored 14 points for the Leopards.

Holy Cross improved to 17-9 overall. Lafayette fell to 9-17. An announced crowd of 261 watched the Crusaders dominate inside, outscoring Lafayette 24-14 in the paint.