GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Lourdes University put together the deepest run in Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference tournament history to claim its first ever WHAC tournament title. The tournament field expanded to 10 teams for the first time this season, and as the #7 seed, the Gray Wolves had to play in the opening round game. An four games in seven days and the Gray Wolves are WHAC tournament champions after knocking off the host Cornerstone Golden Eagles in Grand Rapids on Monday night, 75-65. With the win, the Gray Wolves earn the WHAC’s second autobid to the NAIA National Championship. They will figure out their opponent and destination on Thursady at 6 p.m. on the NAIA selection show. 

The game started in favor of the Gray Wolves, who established a commanding 41-26 halftime lead, setting the tone for the rest of the competition. Despite a strong second-half push by the Golden Eagles, Lourdes maintained their lead, buoyed by standout performances from their key players. Macie Stringfellow led the scoring for Lourdes with 22 points and completed a double-double with 11 rebounds. Emma Pedroza was close behind with an impressive 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Tamyah Worthy contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals to the team’s victory.

Olivia Kubik was the top scorer for Cornerstone, accumulating 22 points, but the balanced and resilient defense from Lourdes blunted the effectiveness of their offense. The Gray Wolves displayed tactical superiority, evident in key game moments like Laura Innerebner’s crucial blocked layup in the second quarter, which helped shift momentum.

Cornerstone’s tremendous season and postseason run came to a close in the hardfought loss. The Golden Eagles had to knock off #1 Indiana Tech in the semifinals to earn the tournament finals berth. Olivia Kubik led all CU scorers with 22 points while Jaxi Long added 12 points and seven rebounds. Emma Costen chipped in nine.