Watch: Lani White, Mater Dei survive Rosary Academy comeback in gripping playoff opener

Two-time reigning CIFSS Open Division champion Mater Dei defeated league rival Rosary Academy 49-44 on Saturday to open pool play with a bang. In doing so, they avenged a 51-40 loss on Jan. 31 that cost them an undisputed conference title in Trinity League play.

The Monarchs stormed out to a 22-6 lead in the second quarter, but Rosary cut the lead to 10 points by halftime and one point by the end of the third quarter. The Royals took their first lead with 2:24 left in the game, but Mater Dei turned it up a notch for the rest of the game to pull out the dub. Utah-bound Lani White led the game with 20 points for Mater Dei, and freshman Shaena Brew hit what proved to be the game-winner with half a minute left.

Utah Valley commit Kaylee Byon led Rosary with 16 points, and Allison Clarke was also in double-figures for the Royals.