The William Paterson Pioneers women’s basketball team is in the midst of a historic run, turning the 2025–26 season into one to remember.
Riding a dominant winning streak and piling up conference accolades, the Pioneers have emerged as one of the most formidable teams in the NJAC. The question now is not how good they are — but how far they can go.
William Paterson sits at 11–0 in conference play and has suffered just one loss all season, marking the program’s most successful campaign since the 1997–98 season. Their consistency on both ends of the floor has made them the team to beat as the regular season winds down.
Much of that success has been driven by individual excellence. Senior forward Patty Walsh has earned NJAC Player of the Week honors three times this season, while fellow senior forward Renee Wells has claimed the award twice. Junior guard Jada Jacobs has also been recognized twice, earning her second NJAC Defensive Player of the week this past week.
Beyond individual accolades, the Pioneers’ depth and chemistry have been critical to their success. With seven NJAC games remaining before tournament play, William Paterson appears poised to maintain its momentum and strengthen its case as a championship contender.
That momentum will be tested next when the Pioneers face Montclair State University in a highly anticipated matchup.
William Paterson currently ranks first in the NJAC in offense, defense, and scoring margin. Montclair entered ranked third in offense, fifth in defense, and second in margin, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
Montclair is 8–3 in conference play, with its only losses coming against William Paterson in December, The College of New Jersey, and Rowan. Wednesday’s contest will serve as a rematch for the Redhawks, who will look to even the score against the conference leaders.
Players To Watch:
Several key players will be worth watching. William Paterson, Walsh, Wells, Jacobs, and junior Mattison Chiera headline the lineup.
Chiera currently ranks third in the NJAC in assists, adding another dimension to the Pioneers’ offense.
Montclair counters with standout performers of its own. Sophomore forward Alyssa Craigwell ranks second in the conference in scoring and leads the NJAC in field goal percentage.
Senior guard Alexis Strollo is fifth in the conference in assists, anchoring the Redhawks’ backcourt.
With both teams boasting multiple top-10 performers across the conference, Wednesday’s matchup promises to be a compelling test. For William Paterson, it represents another opportunity to reinforce its place in what is shaping up to be a historic season.
The game will tip off Wednesday, January 28, at the Sports and Recreation Center in Wayne, N.J.
