A new home, a new team, and new expectations.
That describes the 2023-24 version of the New York University women's basketball team.
Ranked #2 in the nation entering the campaign, and playing their first game at the new John A. Paulson Center, the Violets did not disappoint with a 88-55 victory over the Massachusetts Institute of Technolgy (MIT) as NYU hosted the Scholars Classic on Friday, November 10.
"It was a great atmosphere," said Head Coach
Meg Barber. "There was really great energy from our players, both on the court and from the bench. A fun first game."
Utilizing contributions from several new players, as well as some returnees, the Violets overcame an early deficit and were never threatened the rest of the way.
NYU trailed its guests by four points, 13-9, but scored the next 16 to take the lead for good.
"Everyone is going to come out strong against us and give us their best shot. We know how strong we are," Barber added.
The Violets led 19-13 after the first quarter, 39-20 at halftime, and 67-36 after three quarters.
NYU went up by as many as 40 points in the final quarter.
Returning University Athletic Association (UAA) Player of the Year
Natalie Bruns and UAA Defensive Player of the Year
Belle Pellecchia picked right up where they left off. Bruns collected a game-high 10 rebounds while tallying eight points. Pellecchia scored a game-high 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting from the field while adding six rebounds and three steals.
"It was so awesome to have our fans here, our parents here and some of the other NYU teams. We've been waiting so long," Pellecchia said. "We have a lot of talent on this team. We just have to keep putting the 'we' over 'me.'"
Last year's
D3hoops.com Division III Player of the Year, graduate student
Morgan Morrison, posted a near double-double in her NYU debut, finishing with 14 points and nine rebounds.
"It was very exciting to see so many people in the stands. I like the style of play this team has," Morrison said. "I will give everything I have to help this team reach its goal of winning a National Championship."
Reese Tremitiere also reached double-digits with 10 points and
Erica Miller finished with nine.
Jordan Janowski, who missed all of last season with an injury, led the team with four assists in her nine minutes on the floor.
The Violets are back on the court tomorrow for a 3:00pm match-up with Johns Hopkins University as the Scholars Classic continues.
