In an agreement finalized on Christmas Eve, Christendom College has accepted an invitation to join the New South Athletic Conference for women’s basketball effective immediately. The Crusaders are eligible to compete for the inaugural NSAC women’s basketball championship culminating with the season-ending tournament February 25 and 26 in Newport News, Virginia.

“The Christendom women’s basketball team is excited to join the New South Conference for the remainder of the 2022-23 season,” said Crusaders athletic director Patrick Quest. “We look forward to the challenge of competing with the very talented women’s basketball teams in the New South Conference.”

Christendom’s game at Mid-Atlantic Christian on December 3, a thrilling 65-62 overtime win for the Mustangs, will count toward the standings.

“Christendom joining the New South was a great Christmas present,” said league commissioner Mike Davis. “The Crusaders are one of the top teams in the USCAA and will really push our other teams. We are thrilled to have them.”

Christendom is ranked 11th in USCAA division 2 and is led by sophomore Catherine Thomas, who is currently second in the nation in points per game (28.4) and rebounds (14.8).

Christendom joined the NSAC for volleyball earlier this year and swept through the conference season undefeated and won the tournament hosted at Crusader Gym.