BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) picked up a key conference win Wednesday night, using a strong fourth quarter to secure a 90-85 victory over Holy Cross inside McHie Arena. Three Tigers finished in double figures, and Hattie Hagedorn provided a spark off the bench in the final frame to help ONU hold off the Saints.
Holy Cross came out aggressive in the first quarter, shooting 43.8% from the field to grab a slim 17-16 lead. ONU struggled from deep, connecting on just 1-of-10 from beyond the arc, but Olivia Dirkse kept the Tigers in it with six early points. Defensive pressure helped ONU force turnovers, keeping the Saints from pulling away.
ONU found its rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the Saints 26-24 in an up-tempo period. Dirkse added seven more points, while Khendel Rolison chipped in three. The Tigers were efficient at the free-throw line, going a perfect 5-for-5, and took a 42-41 lead into halftime.
Holy Cross took control in the third quarter, putting up 31 points on 68.4% shooting. The Saints’ hot hand from beyond the arc and ability to attack the paint put ONU on its heels. Despite a balanced scoring effort, the Tigers found themselves trailing 72-66 heading into the final quarter.
Hagedorn took over in the fourth, scoring 12 of her 16 points in the final 10 minutes to spark a comeback. ONU’s defense tightened up, holding Holy Cross to just 13 points in the frame, while timely free throws sealed the win. Dirkse finished with 16 points and four rebounds, while Rolison added 11 points and three rebounds. Hagedorn also pulled down five boards as ONU closed out the five-point victory.