As season openers go, the Roadrunners' 72-55 triumph over visiting Delaware Tech was clearly a solid start to the 2025-26 season for Women's Basketball Coach Rich Cooper.
There were bumps in the road, but the RCSJ women picked up the pace after only a few minutes on the court.
Sophomore Shannon Pierman, not surprisingly, led the way, scoring 18 points and adding 9 rebounds and two steals.
The Runners forged ahead to a 13-7 first quarter lead before expanding the advantage to 36-25 at half time. The hosts held a 58-40 lead after three quarters.
"Certainly, nerves contributed to some offensive problems in the first quarter, but we settled down once we moved into the second quarter," said Cooper. "By that time, we started to ramp it up on defense, showing some flashes of how good we can be in that area."
The Runners also received solid efforts from freshman Hadley Rodriguez, who collected 11 points and 5 rebounds, and teammate Jameeleyonna Horace, who netted 10 points.
Photo Highlights vs. Delaware Tech
https://rcsjphotos.smugmug.com
The win was No. 198 in Coach Cooper's lengthy tenure as RCSJ coach.
Next up for the Runners will be a home game vs. Sussex CCC in an 6 pm tip-off on Thursday night.
Season Preview: Women's Basketball
Head Coach: Rich Cooper, 12th Year, 197-82 career record entering the 2025-26 season.
Assistant Coach: Catherine Dunn
Last Season: The Roadrunners finished their season with a 24-6 overall record, winning the Garden State Athletic Conference crown and finishing runner-up in the Region 19 tournament.
Season opener: The Runners opened their season at home Monday vs. NJCAA D II Delaware Technical CC with a 72-55 win. They will follow with a home match vs. Sussex County Community College on Thursday, November 6.
Returning players: Miya Villari, So., forward; Emma Buttocovia, So., guard; Vienna Gantz, So., guard; Atinuke Bamgbose, So., forward; Anna DiPiero, So., Shannon Pierman, So., forward.
Newcomers: Alexis Carroway, guard; Alaina LaMonica, guard; RaNiyah Wilson, guard; Kenya Jones, forward; Jameeleyonna Horace, guard; Brenna Ivey, forward; Skylar Goods, forward; Hadley Rodriguez, guard. Savannah Schute, center.
Outlook for Winter 2025-26 season: The Runners have a talented roster and look to be contenders once again for the GSAC and Region 19 crowns along with a qualifying berth in the NJCAA D III championship tournament.
Coach Rich Cooper on his 2025-26 Roadrunners: "Our goal is always to compete for the region championship and make a trip to the national tournament," said Cooper. "Last season we missed a chance to win the Region title and qualify for nationals, so we have the motivation and talent to go further this season."