It’s been an exciting fall with the Division I women’s basketball teams in New York City taking on non-conference opponents. As most people in college hoops would say, now is when things get serious with teams battling conference opponents in the hopes of earning postseason berths.
Manhattan
Columbia University
Last season, the Columbia Lions earned their first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament, but the team no longer has prolific scorer Abbey Hsu, who graduated. Coach Megan Griffith is looking for the upperclasswomen and newbies to shine. Sophomore guard Riley Weiss is leading the offense at 17.1 points per game. Senior guard Kitty Henderson is averaging 15.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. The team went 9–4 in non-conference games and defeated the University of Pennsylvania in its Ivy League opener.
The Bronx
Manhattan College
Manhattan College is 7–6 overall and 1–3 in MAAC play. Senior guard Nitzan Amar, who joined Manhattan last season as a transfer, is leading the offense at 10.7 points per game.
Fordham University
Things are looking good at Fordham University, which is in its second season under head coach Bridgette Mitchell. The Rams are currently 8–6 overall and 2–1 in Atlantic 10 play. Graduate student guard Taylor Donaldson, in her second year at Fordham, is averaging a dominant 18.5 points per game.
Brooklyn
Long Island University
LIU won its NEC opener vs. Le Moyne, but the Sharks are 4–11 overall. The leading scorer is Brooklyn native Sirviva Legions, who is averaging 12.7 points per game.
Queens
St. John’s University
St. John’s started the season red-hot with a six-game winning streak and went 10–1 in non-conference play. Senior guard Lashae Dwyer, who came in as a transfer, is averaging 15.4 points per game and leading the team in assists. Junior guard Skye Owen is averaging 9.1 points per game. Unfortunately, Big East play got off to a 0–3 start, so the Red Storm are looking to return to form.
Staten Island
Wagner College
Wagner won their NEC opener vs. Chicago State and are 1–1 in conference play. They currently stand 4–10 overall. Graduate student guard Taleah Washington has entered the rotation and is averaging a ferocious 16.3 points a game.