The TCNJ women’s basketball team lost to William Paterson University on Wednesday night, ending their unbeaten run at the start of the new year. The Lions were defeated 61-47 in Wayne, New Jersey.
Senior Katie Fricker led TCNJ with 17 points, making her the only Lion to reach double figures in a game that marked the team’s lowest scoring output of the season. On defense, Brooke McFadden contributed 10 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams had difficulty finding offensive rhythm early in the game. William Paterson (16-1, 10-0 NJAC) went on a 6-0 run late in the first quarter to take a 12-6 lead. TCNJ responded with an 8-2 run that included three-pointers from Amanda Baylock and Grace Kowalski, tying the score at 14 early in the second quarter. However, William Paterson finished the half stronger and led 24-20 at halftime.
Fricker opened the third quarter with a three-pointer for TCNJ, but William Paterson answered with a decisive 14-0 run over six minutes to extend its lead to 38-23. Although TCNJ (8-9, 7-3 NJAC) narrowed the gap to ten points several times—most recently at the start of the fourth quarter—they were unable to reduce it further before ultimately falling by fourteen points.
The Lions shot just 26.9 percent from the field and made eight of thirty-one attempts from beyond the arc. They converted three out of four free throws. William Paterson shot slightly better at 36.2 percent overall and outrebounded TCNJ by thirteen boards (52-39). The Pioneers also held a significant advantage in points scored in the paint (38-18).
In addition to her scoring performance, Fricker has now reached double figures for four consecutive games—a career-best streak for her. McFadden narrowly missed a double-double with eight points and ten rebounds; she has collected double-digit rebounds seven times this season.
Grace Kowalski added seven assists and two steals for TCNJ.
For William Paterson, Renee Wells led all scorers with twenty-two points while Patty Walsh added fourteen points. Mattison Chiera recorded twelve rebounds along with seven points.
TCNJ will continue its road trip on Saturday against Kean University.
