BALTIMORE (Interstat) — Mary-Elizabeth Donnelly scored 21 points and Holy Cross used a blistering first quarter to set the tone, cruising to a 66-48 victory over Loyola Maryland in a Patriot League women’s basketball game Saturday at Reitz Arena.

The Crusaders, who entered as heavy favorites, improved to 19-9 overall and solidified their position in the conference standings. The Greyhounds fell to 12-16.

The most important part of the game was its explosive start, which effectively decided the contest before many in the announced crowd of 286 had settled into their seats. Holy Cross came out with surgical precision, hitting three 3-pointers in the opening 90 seconds to build a 9-0 lead and force an immediate Loyola Maryland timeout. The onslaught continued as the Crusaders connected on five of their first six shots from the field, all from beyond the arc, to open a commanding 17-2 advantage midway through the period.

Donnelly, a 6-foot sophomore from Manasquan, New Jersey, was the catalyst. She hit three 3-pointers in the opening flurry and finished the first quarter with 11 points. Her early shooting, combined with a stifling defensive effort that held Loyola to just two field goals in the first seven minutes, allowed Holy Cross to build a 23-15 lead after one quarter. The Crusaders never looked back, extending the lead to 42-30 by halftime and maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half.

The statistical disparity told the story of Holy Cross’s control. The Crusaders shot an efficient 48.9% from the field and 42.9% from 3-point range. Loyola Maryland, conversely, struggled mightily, shooting just 30% overall and a frigid 15.8% from deep. While the Greyhounds won the rebounding battle 14-9 on the offensive glass and forced 16 Holy Cross turnovers, they could not overcome their own offensive inefficiency, scoring just 48 points on 63 possessions.

Donnelly’s game-high 21 points led a balanced Holy Cross attack. Meg Cahalan added 14 points, three assists and two blocks, while Kendall Eddy contributed 18 points. Kaitlyn Flanagan directed the offense with eight assists. For Loyola Maryland, Kimmie Hicks led the way with 16 points and Lex Therien added 12, but no other Greyhound reached double figures.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Holy Cross, which defeated Loyola Maryland 49-40 just two weeks prior. The Crusaders have now won four of their last five games as they head into the final stretch of conference play. Loyola Maryland has dropped three of its last four.

Holy Cross will look to continue its momentum on the road against Boston University next Wednesday. Loyola Maryland will travel to face Navy the same night.