CALDWELL, N.J.- Sophomore Kristen Drogsler (Middle Village, NY) scored 12 of her game-high 21 points in the second half as the Caldwell University women's basketball team shot 54.8% in the final two quarters to pull away from the University of the Sciences 79-56 in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship Quarterfinals.
 
The Cougars improve to 21-8 overall and will face #1 South Division Philadelphia University at 2 pm on Friday, March 5 on the campus of Dominican College. Caldwell matches the program's single season win total in the modern era (1990-present). The Devils finish their season at 11-18.
 
The teams battled through a basically even first half as there were nine ties and six lead changes over the first two quarters. The score was tied at 18 after one quarter of play.
 
The Cougars led by as much as four points at 22-18 early in the second quarter but the Devils battled back even three more times in the second quarter. Drogsler hit a jumper and a free throw in the final 1:42 to put Caldwell up 36-33 at halftime.
 
Caldwell got off to a fast start in the second half as they opened the third quarter on a 20-8 run. Drogsler, sophomore Sharell Sanders (Dorchester, MA) and senior Nicole Angelo (Mt Laurel, NJ) each netted three-pointers to help the Cougars build a 56-41 lead at the 3:53 mark of the quarter.
 
The Cougars continued their hot shooting in the half and stretched their lead into the fourth quarter to earn their 21st win of the season. Caldwell shot 54.8% from the field in the second half, while limiting USciences to 16.7% shooting from the field over the final 20 minutes.
 
For the Cougars, Drogsler shot 8-for-11 from the field, finishing with 21 points, two boards and two steals. Sophomore Karlie O'Driscoll (Sharon, MA) posted 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while junior Antoinette Pilla (Scarsdale, NY) chipped in 13 points, seven boards, two blocks and two assists. Sanders tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and five steals, while Angelo totaled 11 points and four assists.
 
Pilla tied the modern era single season record (1990-present) with her 64th three-pointer this season. She ties the mark set by Torey Jones (2012-13) and Jennifer Carleton (2002-03). Angelo connected on her 200th career triple in the game and joins Jones (234- 2009-13) and Kirsty Leedham (202- 2007-11) as one of three members of the 200 three-point club. Angelo finished the game with 201 career three-pointers.
 
The Cougars head to Dominican College for the CACC Championship Final Four where they will face the Rams at 2 pm in the second semifinal game on Friday, March 4.