The William Paterson women’s basketball team improved to 17-0 in conference play Saturday, Feb. 14, with a 58-46 victory over Rutgers-Camden in its final home game of the regular season.

Before tipoff, William Paterson honored its four seniors in a pregame ceremony recognizing their careers with the program. The Pioneers’ starting lineup featured Luna Kirby, Mattison Chiera, Jada Jacobs, Renee Wells, and Patty Walsh, three of whom are seniors. 

Walsh set the tone early, scoring the game’s first four points in the opening minutes of her Senior Day finale. 

William Paterson’s defensive intensity forced Rutgers-Camden into an early timeout and dictated the tempo throughout the first quarter. Despite a slow start offensively, the Pioneers’ pressure defense limited clean looks and helped them take a 14-7 lead at the end of the quarter.

Rutgers-Camden responded in the second quarter, tying the game within the first four minutes as William Paterson endured a scoring drought. The Pioneers regrouped late in the half, regaining their rhythm on offense and reestablishing control before the break.

Coming out of halftime, William Paterson played with renewed urgency. The Pioneers attacked the basket, drew fouls and capitalized at the free-throw line to extend their advantage. With about six minutes remaining in the third quarter, they had pushed the lead to seven points and continued to build momentum.

Improved communication and energy on both ends fueled a decisive run, and William Paterson closed the third quarter ahead 48-31.

The Pioneers carried that momentum into the fourth, consistently driving to the basket and dominating the glass. They finished with 15 offensive rebounds compared with six for Rutgers-Camden, creating key second-chance opportunities.

Rutgers-Camden continued to play aggressively but struggled to convert that intensity into points. With three minutes remaining, William Paterson led 56-36, effectively putting the game out of reach. A late push by Rutgers-Camden narrowed the margin, but the Pioneers secured the 12-point win.

Graduate forward Megan Sears, who transferred to William Paterson for her fifth year, reflected on her experience with the team.

“It’s been an amazing experience, and the girls have been so welcoming, and the coaches have been so welcoming, and we’ve already accomplished so much to be proud of, and there’s still so much more we can accomplish,” Sears said.

Sears described the Senior Day victory as a total team effort, emphasizing the group’s unselfishness and cohesion heading into the postseason.

Wells echoed that sentiment when discussing the team’s mindset.

“Our team culture, our chemistry is very good,” Wells said. “We truly like each other on and off the court. Going into playoffs, we just take it one game at a time. We don’t want to think too far ahead. Right now, we’re looking toward Wednesday for our next game. Our goal is to win the NJAC.”

William Paterson will face Ramapo College on Wednesday before hosting the NJAC playoffs the following week.