Women’s Basketball Bested by SUNY Geneseo in NCAA Tournament Second Round

Washington, D.C. – The Montclair State women's basketball team (24-5) saw its remarkable 2024-25 season come to an end on Saturday evening when they were bested by SUNY Geneseo (24-6) by a score of 71-49 in the NCAA Tournament Second Round at Catholic University.

How It Happened

SHANNON HUGHES set the tone early for Montclair, knocking down a three-pointer on the team's first shot. ALYSSA CRAIGWELL followed with a layup to give the Red Hawks a quick 5-0 lead. After Geneseo responded with a jumper, OLIVIA VERO converted an and-one, igniting an 8-2 run that extended Montclair's advantage to 13-4. The teams traded baskets before the Knights closed the first quarter on a 7-0 run, narrowing Montclair's lead to 17-16.
Montclair opened the second quarter similarly, with ISABELLA ORLANDO sinking a three-pointer to push the lead to four. However, Geneseo responded with back-to-back threes and a dominant 12-0 run to take a 28-20 lead. ALEXIS STROLLO's pair of free throws momentarily halted the Knights' momentum, but Geneseo continued applying pressure, scoring six of the next seven points to extend its lead to 34-23. Both teams added a layup before halftime, with the Knights taking a 36-25 advantage into the break.
Vero opened the third quarter with a basket, and both teams traded scores through the early minutes. However, with 5:02 remaining in the quarter, Geneseo seized control with another 12-0 run, stretching its lead to 61-37 heading into the fourth.
Geneseo started the final period with two made free throws before Montclair responded with a 10-0 run to cut into the deficit. However, the Knights remained in command, closing the game on an 8-2 run to secure a 71-49 victory.

Inside the Numbers

In her final collegiate game, Vero delivered another strong performance, finishing with nine points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Strollo led Montclair in scoring with 12 points, while freshmen Craigwell and MADISON MARCOTTE each recorded three steals.
Despite the tournament exit, the Red Hawks capped off a historic season, improving by 15 wins from the previous year, winning the NJAC title, and securing their first NCAA Tournament victory since the 2017-18 season. They also defeated a top-10 team along the way.

From the Court