Washington, D.C. – The Montclair State Women's Basketball team (24-4) made a statement in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Division III Tournament, shocking #3/#9 Christopher Newport 67-64 to advance to the second round at Catholic University.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• MADISON MARCOTTE set the tone early for Montclair, scoring back-to-back baskets as the Red Hawks surged to a 12-5 lead within the first six minutes. SHANNON HUGHES drilled a three-pointer to extend the advantage to 10, but the Captains responded with a 6-2 run to close the quarter, cutting the deficit to 17-11.
• The teams traded baskets in the opening minutes of the second quarter before Montclair seized momentum with a 10-2 run, extending their lead to 31-18. A back-and-forth battle ensued, but the Red Hawks maintained control, entering halftime up 35-26. ALYSSA CRAIGWELL led the charge in the second quarter, scoring eight points.
• Christopher Newport opened the second half with a layup, quickly answered by Craigwell and OLIVIA VERO. Both teams continued exchanging baskets, but Montclair held firm, maintaining a nine-point cushion at 47-38 heading into the final period. Six different Red Hawks contributed offensively in the third quarter.
• In the fourth, Montclair fought to preserve their lead against a relentless CNU offense. A barrage of three-pointers chipped away at the advantage, narrowing the gap to 54-50. Craigwell and Hughes each responded with threes of their own, but Christopher Newport kept countering. With just 34 seconds left, Montclair clung to a 65-61 lead. Marcotte and Craigwell sank clutch free throws, but a CNU three-pointer with nine seconds remaining kept the pressure on. A late turnover gave the Captains one last chance to force overtime, but their buzzer-beater attempt missed, sealing the upset victory for Montclair.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Craigwell delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 27 points on 11-for-19 shooting, along with seven rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks.
• Vero was one rebound shy of her seventh double-double of the season, contributing 11 points and nine boards. Hughes also tallied 11 points, shooting 3-for-6 from beyond the arc.
• The win marks Montclair's first NCAA Tournament victory since 2018, when they defeated Gettysburg 70-45 in the second round.

FROM THE COURT

• "This team continues to rise to the challenge. We played with tremendous defense and really handled their pressure. So many key moments by several players. I couldn't be happier for them. They earned it!" Head Coach Karin Harvey

NEXT UP

• Montclair State advances to the second round, where they will face SUNY Geneseo tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. at Catholic University.