WALTHAM, Mass. (March 17, 2025) – No. 3 seed Holy Family University was defeated by tournament host and No. 1 seed Bentley University, 72-63, in the East Region final and third round overall of the 2025 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship tournament on Monday night at the Dana Athletic center.
Holy Family, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference champion, was attempting to become the first CACC women’s basketball team to reach the NCAA D-II Elite Eight. Instead, the Tigers, the No. 22-ranked team in the most recent national D-II media poll, conclude their season with a won-lost record of 26-7.
Bentley (33-1), the Northeast 10 Conference champion, committed only three turnovers on the night. The Falcons recovered from a 38-26 halftime deficit. All-East Region selection Taylor Hinkle led Holy Family with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Bentley, the nation’s No.4-ranked team, advances to the Elite Eight in Pittsburgh, Pa., from March 24-28.
The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its affiliation with NCAA Division II. Conference institutions compete for championships in 18 sports – eight for men, nine for women, and one co-ed. The CACC contains 12 members in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Membership includes Bloomfield College of Montclair State University, the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.