White Plains, NY — As announced Monday afternoon by the All-Metropolitan Basketball Writers' Association, freshman forward ALYSSA CRAIGWELL led the way as one of three Montclair State University women's basketball players honored for their standout seasons.
Craigwell earned a spot on the First Team, while graduate student guard SOPHIE BENEVENTINE and senior center OLIVIA VERO were named to the Honorable Mention list.

Craigwell had a stellar freshman campaign, averaging 15.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. A seven-time NJAC Rookie of the Week, she also led the Red Hawks with 60 steals and 36 blocks. Her impact was pivotal during Montclair State's NJAC Championship run and in their NCAA Tournament first-round victory, where she scored 27 points in a thrilling 67-64 upset over #3/#9 Christopher Newport. Craigwell adds this latest honor to an already impressive list of accolades, including D3hoops.com All-Region 4 Rookie of the Year, NJAC Rookie of the Year, First Team All-NJAC, and Second Team All-Region IV.

Beneventine made an immediate impact in her only season at Montclair State after transferring from Boston University. She averaged 6.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, and her 135 assists not only led the NJAC but also ranked fifth nationally in Division III at the end of the regular season. She also tallied 44 steals and 22 blocks. Her standout performance came in a home win over Stockton, where she recorded the program's sixth-ever triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Beneventine adds this recognition to her First Team All-NJAC selection.

Vero was a driving force behind Montclair's success this season. The senior forward/center averaged 13.2 points (sixth in the NJAC) and led the team with 7.8 rebounds per game (fourth in the NJAC). She also ranked third in the conference with 38 blocks, while contributing 52 assists and 33 steals. Her top performance came in a home victory against Rutgers-Camden, where she posted a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. She adds Honorable Mention All-Met on to the Second Team All-NJAC accolade she earned this season.

The Montclair State women's basketball team completed the biggest turnaround season in all of Division III this year, improving by 15 wins from last season. The Red Hawks finished with a 24-5 overall record and a 15-3 mark in NJAC play, claiming their eighth NJAC title and notching their first NCAA Tournament win since 2018.