WAYNE, N.J. – The William Paterson women's basketball team (1-1) was edged 68-67 in its 2023-24 home opener by Alvernia (3-1) Nov. 15 at the Sports and Recreation Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The two sides spent most of the fourth quarter trading leads and with 3:24 left to play, freshman Mattison Chiera buried a shot from deep to put William Paterson ahead, 63-61.
• A 6-0 Alvernia run gave the Golden Wolves a four-point advantage (67-63) with 1:12 remaining.
• Sophomore Patricia Walsh drew a foul with 57 seconds on the clock and buried both foul shots before later tying the game up at 67-67 with a timely layup at the 23-second mark.
• However, with just under one second remaining, Alvernia drew a foul and made the first free throw to seal the 68-67 road win.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Chiera reached double figures in the scoring column for the first time in her career, finishing with a team-high 17 points with five made 3-pointers and five rebounds.
• Walsh tallied 14 points and nine rebounds.
• Junior Brianna Smith recorded an 11-point outing.
• Junior Jade Martinez scored nine points on 4-of-6 (.667) shooting.

 
UP NEXT:

• William Paterson heads to Williamstown, Mass., to take part in the two-day Williams Tournament Nov. 18-19. The Pioneers open against Rhode Island College Nov. 18 at 8:00 p.m. The winner advances to the championship game at 3:00 p.m., while the losing team will play in the consolation final at 1:00 p.m.