NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – March 15, 2021 – Chatham staged a second half comeback after falling behind by 16 in the PAC Quarterfinals at Westminster, but the Cougars ultimately fell short 69-65.
 
Chatham and Westminster traded early blows in the first quarter. First-year sharpshooter Ashley Guidone buried a three to give the Cougars a 9-6 lead. However, that would be the last lead Chatham claimed. Westminster won every quarter except for one, including the first in which it led 21-16.
 
In the second quarter, Chatham went cold from the field. The Cougars shot 2-12 from the floor (.167), including 1-8 from deep (.125). The eight points scored in the second stanza marked a tie for the second fewest points scored in a quarter this season. Chatham fell behind at the half 34-24.
 
Much like the first meeting 17 days ago, Chatham scored 23 third quarter points and ultimately won the period. However, it was also in the third that the Cougars faced their largest deficit of the night, 44-28 at the halfway point of the quarter. Chatham broke off a 10-0 run and closed the gap to five after 30 minutes of play.
 
The fourth quarter resembled a boxing match with both teams trading blows. The Cougars got to within two in the final minute and had a chance to tie in the last 15 seconds of regulation. Unfortunately, Chatham could not capitalize and had to send a Titan to the free throw line.
 
After a perfect trip to make the lead 66-62, junior Kaitlyn Fertig knocked down a three to cut the Titan lead to one. On the ensuing possession Chatham again fouled Westminster, with the Titan getting sent to the line only hitting on one-of-two tries with six ticks to tock. Chatham went up the floor yet could not get back on the board. Westminster knocked down two more free throw attempts to finish the game at 69-65.
 
Westminster outrebounded Chatham 41-34 for the game and tallied five blocks. Chatham and Westminster were even at 15 turnovers apiece, but the Titans had a 21-14 edge in points off turnovers. Chatham led in steals 12-9, fast break points 10-6 and bench points 25-7.
 
Three Cougars eclipsed the double-digit plateau. Graduate Maddy Grennes led the team with 19 points and 11 rebounds, also hitting 7-of-8 free throw tries. Fertig was second on the team with 16 points. Senior Brittani Smith rounded out the double-digit scorers with a baker's dozen. Three Cougars swiped three steals, including Grennes and sophomores Sierra McClain and Riley D'Angelo.
 
The loss ends Chatham's 2021 season at 4-5 overall.