WORCESTER, Mass. - It's a weekend of celebrating achievement for the student-athletes at Holy Cross and for women’s basketball as the Crusaders receive some national attention.

"It's such a great example and I think in terms of recruiting for everything," said Holy Cross PA announcer Matthew Bartel. "Being on a national stage. Being successful. Consecutive league tournament championships. Three straight postseason appearances, you have to think it builds the brand up so much."

Holy Cross earned its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance with a Patriot League championship. The Crusaders earned a first-round matchup against the University of Iowa and superstar Caitlin Clark by winning just the program’s second NCAA tournament game.

The excitement is felt all over campus, including the men's basketball team.

"It's pretty amazing, especially because my girlfriend's on the team right now, so just being able to watch them play and seeing how good they've done ..." freshman basketball forward Declan Ryan said.

Ryan says he comes from a basketball family of women, as his three sisters also played NCAA Division 1 basketball. He says seeing the evolution of the women's game has been awesome to watch.

"I remember my sisters' games, even compared to my JV games, there was not many people at the games, not as many crowds, and I was always wondering why, because they were very talented," Ryan said. "But if you look at now, my sister, she played in Richmond against Duke and they were packed, which was not normal."

Bartel has been working with the teams at Holy Cross for nearly a decade. He said the success of the women's basketball team is inspiring for current as well as future female athletes.

"To have these great examples for our community, and for girls to come in and experience that one on one, women's sports has exploded," Bartell said.  "Women's sports is next. Everyone's ready, everyone's excited, and it's about where they can grow from here. Who knows?"