SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (4-9, 2-4 NJAC) was bested, 81-61, by St. John Fisher (9-2, 2-0 EMPIRE8) on the final day of the Hampton Inn West Springfield/Naismith Classic Jan. 1.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• It was a three-point game (15-12) at the end of the first quarter in favor of the Cardinals before St. John Fisher extended their advantage to double figures (33-20) after outscoring the Pioneers 18-8 in the second frame.
• The Cardinals' lead continued to grow and an 11-4 run to open the third quarter made it a 20-point (44-24) game with 6:16 on the clock.
• St. John Fisher maintained its large lead the rest of the way and secured the 81-61 win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Senior Brianna Smith went 7-for-12 (.583) from the field and 3-for-5 (.600) from deep for a team-high 19 points.
• Sophomore Renee Wells recorded 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block.
• Junior Jade Martinez logged a 10-point outing with three assists and a steal.
• Freshman Mattison Chiera finished with eight points and five boards.
• Sophomore Patricia Walsh reeled in a team-high nine rebounds to pair with five points.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson resumes New Jersey Athletic Conference play Saturday, Jan. 6, at 1:00 p.m. at The College of New Jersey.