Wayne, NJ (11/24/07) – The Montclair State women's basketball team (2-1) seized control early, defeating Arcadia (0-3) 66-44 in the first round of the Red Hawk/Pioneer Classic Nov. 24 at William Paterson's Rec Center.  

A 16-2 burst gave the Red Hawks a 29-16 lead with 2:35 remaining in the first half, and Montclair State carried a 12-point lead into the locker room (31-19).  The Red Hawks' advantage never dipped back into single digits during the game's final 20 minutes as Montclair State went to work in the paint, outscoring the Knights 44-18 inside, including a 24-12 edge in the second half.

Sophomore JACKIE BERRY (Tuckerton, N.J./Pinelands) led four Red Hawks in double figures with 16 points, adding nine rebounds and a team-high four assists with shooting 8-for-13 from the floor.  Junior MARIANNE MCGOVERN Fair Lawn, N.J./Paramus Catholic) had 11 points, while sophomore CATHERINE CRISTINO (Farmingdale, N.J./Colts Neck) and classmate KISANDRA AYANBEKU (Burlington, N.J./Randolph) each scored 10.  Senior JESSICA GARRABRANT (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls) paced Montclair State with 13 rebounds as MSU owned a 53-34 edge on the boards.

Sophomore Kim Milligan (Crofton, Md./South River) scored a team-best 12 points to lead Arcadia, and senior Caitlin Sparks (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton Area) added seven points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots for the Knights.

William Paterson will take on Arcadia in the second round of the Red Hawk/Pioneer Classic Sunday, Nov. 25, at 1:00 p.m., while Union will face Montclair State at 3:00 p.m.  Both games will be played at MSU's Panzer Gymnasium.