CALDWELL, N.J. -- Sophomore guard Jah'Nel Lewis (Jersey City, N.J.) netted a game-high 24 points, junior forward Lucy Coogan pitched in 17 and graduate forward Sophia DeMauro (New York) grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds, leading #2 North seeded Caldwell to a gritty 61-51 victory over #3 South seed Chestnut Hill in the CACC Tournament quarterfinals at the Newman Center on Tuesday evening.

The Cougars jumped out to a 12-6 lead on an early run, capped by a Coogan three. 

The Griffins (16-13) would take the lead early in the second, pushing their advantage to as many as eight at 25-17 midway through the quarter. But CU would rally back and on a layup by DeMauro and two free throws by Coogan in the final moments enjoyed a 29-27 halftime edge.

Caldwell (17-12) would build its lead to double digits in the first four minutes of the second half on the strength of two Coogan baskets and one each by DeMauro and Lewis for a 37-27 edge. The hosts would swell their advantage to as many as 14 by the end of the third, two free throws and two straight layups by Lewis making it 49-35.

The Griffins proved game, however, getting back to within three at 52-49 with 4:34 left. That's when Lewis and Coogan, named earlier in the day as All-CACC First Team performers, took over, scoring the Cougars' remaining nine points and holding the guest to just a single basket to win going away.

DeMauro had nine points, a block and steal to go with her personal top rebounding mark, while sophomore guard Brooke Corbett (Staten Island, N.Y.), earlier in the day named CACC Defensive Player of the Year, contributed 10 rebounds, two steals and three assists.

Caldwell earned the right to take on South #1 seed Jefferson in the CACC Championship semifinals on Saturday at 2 p.m. in Philadelphia.