The Waynesburg University women’s basketball team has started its season 4-0 for the first time since 2010-11. 

Now, with momentum from non-conference wins, the Yellow Jackets will open Presidents’ Athletic Conference play against Grove City on Nov. 20, hoping to snap a 13-game losing streak to the Wolverines.

“Build confidence to learn and grow on the court so that we could figure things out and hopefully have things running a little bit more smoothly when we get to conference,” head coach Sam Jones said about the team’s mindset during non-conference matchups.

This approach has paid off, helping the Yellow Jackets find a rhythm and establish roles. 

Jones has seen standout performances from junior guard Kalista Friday, who recorded a career-high 32 points off the bench against Carlow, as well as forward Kara McFadden, who’s averaging close to 14 points a game so far. 

Madisen Dayton also put up 18 points off the bench against Wooster. 

The Yellow Jackets’ recent win over Wooster emphasizes their ability to handle high-pressure situations, as they prepare to face a disciplined Grove City team, as Waynesburg University lost both games to the Wolverines last year by a combined 65 points. 

Friday’s contributions have been essential to this start, and her leadership has been invaluable according to her head coach. 

“Kalista’s a great player, very talented. She can get to the rim, she’s a great rebounder and she can score from outside as well,” Jones said. “When the game gets a little sloppy, we let her do her thing and take over.”

Jones trusts his team’s depth and believes their non-conference games were a turning point, building the focus and resilience needed for PAC challenges. 

Friday, meanwhile, is staying focused. 

“I’ve just focused on staying locked in on the process,” she said. “It’s a long season with highs and lows, so it’s just important to keep staying focused and to remember our goals.”

The team now looks toward Grove City with a fresh perspective, motivated to change the narrative in their PAC opener. According to Friday,ast season’s experiences against teams such as Grove City have prepared them to handle the Wolverines’ defensive pressure and relentless play. 

“Grove City is just an all-around hardworking, balanced team,” Friday said. “Their defense and scrappiness can make it hard to find a rhythm offensively.”

McFadden echoed that, adding that the Yellow Jackets understand the challenge Grove City poses. 

“Their defense is one of the most challenging we face,” McFadden said. “We know they’re going to go on a run, but we need to be able to bounce back and go on a run of our own.”

This season, Waynesburg University has something different, which according to McFadden, is a renewed determination and a unified group. Despite being ranked ninth in the PAC preseason poll, the Yellow Jackets have embraced their underdog role. 

“We’re the underdogs this year,” McFadden said. “We have more experience now and we’re ready to prove everyone wrong.”

Their confidence and unity will be essential in ending the streak against Grove City. In each non-conference game, Waynesburg has prioritized mastering the “small details,” such as free throws and rebounding, knowing these elements will decide close contests in the PAC. 

Friday’s perfect free-throw shooting (six for six) and clutch scoring against Carlow exemplifies that. 

Tip off against Grove City (1-2, 0-0) is on Nov. 20, at 5:30 p.m.