Caldwell, N.J. - The Felician University women's basketball team continued its historic season, capturing its first-ever Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Championship with a dramatic 65-63 overtime victory over top-seeded Holy Family. The win marked the program's first conference title in its first appearance in the championship game.

Felician battled back from multiple deficits throughout the afternoon and delivered in the biggest moment against Holy Family, who entered the contest undefeated in conference play. The Golden Falcons showed resilience late in regulation before closing the door in overtime to secure the win. 

Ane Valle and Karla Barreno led the offense with 18 points each. Valle shot an efficient 8-for-12 from the field while adding five rebounds, while Barreno knocked down four three-pointers and dished out 10 assists. Stephanie Formby added 15 points with nine rebounds.

Felician trailed by 10 midway through the third quarter before mounting a steady comeback. A three-pointer by Barreno and a three-point play from Valle helped the Golden Falcons close the gap, cutting the deficit to just one. 

The fourth period was tightly contested as both teams traded baskets. Valle scored back-to-back baskets to tie the game at 60 and force overtime.

In the extra period, defense took center stage. Deviney Jackson came up clutch for Felician, scoring the go-ahead jumper to give the Golden Falcons a 62-61 lead. After converting a free throw with 15 seconds left, Jackson once again delivered in the final moments, knocking down the game-winning jumper with one second remaining to lift Felician to the title.

Barreno, Formby, and Valle were named to the CACC All-Tournament Team. Formby was named CACC Tournament Most Valuable Player.

The Golden Falcons earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with the win. The team will await their opponent for a 10:30 PM Selection Sunday show, uploaded to ncaa.com. Read Full Article