Seton Hall Dominates Saint Peter’s in Women’s Basketball Season Opener

NEWARK, N.J. (Interstat) — In a dominant season-opening performance Tuesday night, the Seton Hall Pirates women’s basketball team delivered a commanding victory, overwhelming the visiting Saint Peter’s Peacocks at Prudential Center.

The final score reflected the lopsided nature of the contest, with Seton Hall securing an 88 to 39 win in front of an announced crowd of 757 fans. The game was effectively decided in the first half, as the Pirates’ relentless pressure and efficient offense built an insurmountable lead.

Seton Hall set the tone immediately, erupting for 25 points in the opening quarter while holding Saint Peter’s to just eight. The offensive onslaught continued unabated in the second period, with the Pirates matching another 25-point quarter. The Peacocks, struggling to find any offensive rhythm, managed only 11 points before halftime, sending the teams to the locker rooms with Seton Hall holding a 50 to 19 advantage.

The second half offered no respite for the visitors. The Pirates’ defense remained stifling, limiting Saint Peter’s to a meager six points in the third quarter while adding 21 of their own. A 14-point fourth quarter for the Peacocks against 17 for Seton Hall did little to close the vast gap, cementing a comprehensive victory for the home side.

The statistical sheet underscored Seton Hall’s thorough dominance. The Pirates capitalized on mistakes, scoring 34 points off turnovers compared to just 14 for Saint Peter’s. Seton Hall also controlled the interior, outscoring the Peacocks 38 to 16 in the paint, a testament to their superior size and execution close to the basket.

Individually, the Pirates showcased a balanced and potent offensive attack. Jordana Codio led all scorers, pouring in 20 points in just 15 minutes of action. Zahara Bishop provided a significant spark off the bench, contributing 15 points, while Ja’Kahla Craft added 13 points and four rebounds.

The Pirates’ backcourt orchestrated the offense with precision. Jada Eads dished out a game-high five assists to go along with six points and six rebounds, while Shailyn Pinkney added three assists. The frontcourt was equally impactful, with Savannah Catalon pulling down eight rebounds and Mariana Valenzuela just missing a double-double with eight points and eight boards. Cam Rust also chipped in nine points.

For Saint Peter’s, the lone bright spot was the performance of De’Naya Rippey. The guard from Brooklyn, New York, fought hard for her team, scoring 16 points and collecting eight rebounds in 29 minutes of play. Layla Laws of Pine Beach, New Jersey, added six points for the Peacocks, who struggled to generate consistent offense against Seton Hall’s defensive pressure.

With the victory, Seton Hall begins its season with a record of one win and zero losses. The Pirates will now prepare for a West Coast road trip, facing the University of San Francisco on Friday, November 14, followed by a game at the University of Pacific on Sunday, November 16. Their next home contest at Prudential Center is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, against Fordham.

The loss drops Saint Peter’s to a record of zero wins and one loss as they look to regroup. The Peacocks will continue their challenging early-season schedule on the road, traveling to face Fordham on Monday, November 10. Their subsequent games include trips to Lafayette and NJIT before they host Lehman College for their home opener on Tuesday, November 25.

The outcome of the game was heavily anticipated by advanced metrics, with Interstat’s ELO system having projected Seton Hall with a 99.20 percent probability to win. The Pirates’ performance on the court lived up to that statistical expectation, showcasing a level of play that their opponents from Jersey City were unable to match in the 2025-26 season opener for both programs.