The Waynesburg University women’s basketball team began the 2024-25 season with a dominant performance, defeating Pitt-Greensburg 96-64 in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse.

Head coach Sam Jones earned his 183rd career win at the helm of the program Friday, Nov. 8. 

“This team is already much better than last year,” Jones said. “They were incredible all around.”

This counts as the first season opener win for the women’s team since the 2016 season, and the first home opener win since the 2018 season which was also against Pitt-Greensburg.

Sophomore guard Kara McFadden had a notable first quarter, scoring 14 of the team’s 20 just in that quarter alone. McFadden would cap off her night with 19 points, nine rebounds and three made three-point shots. 

Mia Henkins, Tori Wesolowski and Kalista Friday would follow behind McFadden with 11 points each. In total, six women on the team put up double digit points including dual sport athlete Julz Morbacher and Clara Paige-Miller apiece. .

The Jackets dominated in the paint, scoring 40 points compared to the Bobcats 28. Within the paint, they would also rack up 65 total rebounds in the contest.

“I’m proud of what we did tonight, and I’m excited to see where we go from here,” McFadden said. “We’re just getting started.”

The Jackets would take a quick 9-2 lead in the first with McFadden recording all nine, and would not look back. There were no lead changes throughout the entire game.

When asked what the team could improve, Henkins spoke to the Jackets shooting 61% from the free throw line. 

“Free throwing. It’s the little things that could make the difference, and we could’ve been better at the line,” Henkins said. 

After the thrilling start to the season, the Jackets look ahead to Tuesday night’s matchup on the road against Hood College at 7 p.m.