The Unyielding Spirit of University of Scranton’s Women’s Basketball Team
The University of Scranton women’s basketball team is riding a wave of success that goes beyond impressive game statistics, drawing strength from an unbreakable bond akin to a family. Senior guard Kaeli Romanowski likens the team to playing alongside family, stating, “It’s like you’re playing with your families, your sisters. So we’re just having fun doing it.”
This sense of unity is set to be tested in the Division III Final Four against New York University, the reigning champions, in Salem, Virginia. The Lady Royals departed for the Cregger Center at Roanoke College with an unmatched record of 31 straight wins, averaging a 38-point margin per game.
Coach Ben O’Brien, who led Dunmore High School girls before joining the collegiate ranks in 2022, attributes the season’s success to the synergy among players and coaches. “It’s been an incredible season so far. We just have a wonderful group of players and coaches and just really excited to see what we’re going to do next,” he shared.
Another Conference Title
The Lady Royals have established themselves as a formidable presence in Division III women’s basketball, securing 11 consecutive Landmark Conference titles. Their prowess was highlighted in November after a surprising exhibition victory over the University of Pittsburgh, which ESPN had predicted as a near impossibility with a mere 0.1% chance of winning.
Continuing their dominant streak, the team earned multiple postseason accolades from D3Hoops.com. Among the honorees, Kaci Kranson received the Region 5 Player of the Year for the second time, while Sophia Talutto was named Region 5 Rookie of the Year. Coach Ben O’Brien was also honored as Region 5 Coach of the Year.
In the NCAA tournament, Scranton dominated the first four rounds, winning by an average of 36 points, marking their ninth appearance in the Final Four. A victory against NYU could lead them to their first national championship game since 1985.
“Our job is not finished,” Kranson commented, emphasizing the team’s unwavering determination to claim the national championship.
Stellar Career for Kranson
Kranson, a standout at Holy Cross, contributed to three district championships during her high school years. At Scranton, she has consistently excelled, achieving First Team All-Region honors each year and leading the team with 18.4 points per game this season. With only 13 points needed to reach the 2,000-point career mark, she is also among the finalists for the Jostens Trophy, which recognizes the best Division III players.
As a criminal justice major aspiring to join the police force, Kranson finds the postseason bittersweet. “I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, so knowing that this is coming to an end is a little sad, but doing it with these girls and these coaches is just something that I’ll never forget,” she reflected.
One Last ‘Family’ Trip
With the Martz bus stationed outside the John Long Center, the team concluded their final on-campus practice before facing the NYU Violets, who hold the second-longest winning streak in NCAA basketball history. The “family” prepared for one last road trip together, packing their bags and snacks.
Romanowski expressed the team’s camaraderie, saying, “We’re such a close-knit group that we are loving every single second that we’re out there. Even off the court, we’re always together. You don’t really find one of us without another one right behind.”
How to watch
The Lady Royals (31-0) will face New York University (29-0) in the national semifinal at 7:30 p.m. (ET) on Thursday. Earlier that day, University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (28-3) will meet Denison University (28-2) in the other national semifinal at 5 p.m. (ET).
Live streaming of the games will be available through ESPN+.
