Holy Cross Sets the Tone Early, Cruises Past Blue Ridge in Nonleague Showdown
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | December 16, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography
Holy Cross came out sharp and decisive on Tuesday night, using a fast start to take command early and never allowing Blue Ridge to gain traction in a 61–38 nonleague win.
The Lady Crusaders jumped on Blue Ridge from the opening tip, opening the game on a dominant 22–4 first-quarter run that set the tone for the night. Ball movement was crisp, shots fell early, and the defensive pressure forced Blue Ridge into tough possessions.
Ava Schmidt sparked the early surge, scoring eight of her 15 points in the opening quarter as Holy Cross quickly built breathing room. Lila Kolcharno and Mollie Urban each added timely buckets during the first-frame push, helping the Crusaders establish full control.
From there, Holy Cross kept its foot on the gas.
The Crusaders extended the lead across each quarter, outscoring Blue Ridge in all four frames while continuing to rotate contributors and maintain defensive discipline. Aniya Osgood added 12 points, while Urban finished with 10, giving Holy Cross multiple scoring threats throughout the lineup as they improved to 3–2 on the season.
For Blue Ridge, Abigail Gelinger once again shouldered the offensive load. The junior poured in a game-high 25 points, attacking from all areas of the floor and continuing an outstanding start to the season. Through five games, Gelinger is now averaging over 26 points per contest, making her one of the area’s most consistent scoring threats.
Lynndee Barbour provided additional production for the Raiders, finishing with nine points and showing toughness at the free-throw line. Barbour’s effort helped keep Blue Ridge competitive during stretches against a Holy Cross team that controlled tempo from the opening tip.
Scoring Breakdown
Holy Cross Lady Crusaders
Ava Schmidt – 15 points | 7 FG | 1–2 FT | 0 3FG
Aniya Osgood – 12 points | 5 FG | 2–3 FT | 0 3FG
Mollie Urban – 10 points | 4 FG | 1–2 FT | 1 3FG
McKinley Griffiths – 8 points | 4 FG | — | 0 3FG
Emma Kouelenus – 7 points | 3 FG | — | 1 3FG
Blue Ridge
Abigail Gelinger – 25 points | 11 FG | 1–4 FT | 2 3FG
Lynndee Barbour – 9 points | 2 FG | 4–9 FT | 1 3FG
Addison Welch – 2 points | 1 FG | — | 0 3FG
Abby Piechocki – 2 points | 1 FG | — | 0 3FG
