After an enthusiastic start to college basketball season, team schedules are again in turmoil with COVID-19-driven postponements. Some athletic programs are opting to not have spectators at games. Players and coaches remain resolute, following protocols and continuing to practice and play when possible. Here we look at New Jersey’s Division I women’s teams.
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall has started Big East Conference play 1–3. In non-conference action, the Pirates scored wins over Princeton and Wagner. Graduate student Andra Espinoza-Hunter and junior Lauren Park-Lane are leading the offense with 17.6 and 17.3 points per game respectively.
Rutgers University
Rutgers is 7–8 overall and 0–3 in Big Ten Conference play. None of the Scarlet Knights are averaging in double figures on scoring, but graduate student forward Osh Brown is leading with 8.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
Saint Peter’s University
Saint Peter’s is 5–6 and hoping to get back in action tonight with MAAC play against Fairfield University after the last two games were postponed due to COVID protocols with the opposing teams. The leading scorer and rebounder is junior center Kassondra Brown, averaging 15 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Rider University
After COVID-driven postponements within the program, Rider, currently 3–8, is scheduled to be back in action tonight with a conference game against MAAC opponent Wagner. Senior guard Lenaejha Evans is the leading scorer for the Broncs at 15.5 points per game.
NJIT
The NJIT Highlanders, 7–6 overall and 2–0 in conference play, have thus far avoided any game postponements. Next up is an America East game vs Binghamton on Sunday. The leading scorer is junior guard Kenna Squier at 11 points per game.
Monmouth University
Monmouth is scheduled for a MAAC game tonight against Quinnipiac after its last game was postponed. The Hawks, currently 6–4 overall and 1–0 in conference play, are led by graduate student guard Stella Clark, who is averaging 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
The FDU Knights, 5–7 overall and 2–0 in conference play, take on Merrimack this afternoon in NEC action. Sophomore forward Chloe Wilson leads the offense at 11 points per game.
Princeton University
Grateful to be back in action after the Ivy League cancelled the entire 2020–’21 season, Princeton amassed a 7–4 record in non-conference action. The Tigers opened conference play with a win over Harvard. The leading scorer is senior guard Abby Meyers, averaging 17.7 points per game.