Revamped Pirates Ready for Exhibition Against Jefferson

Published: Saturday, November 2, 2024

by Kyle Ferreira

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Before their season opener against Wagner on Nov. 7, the Seton Hall women’s basketball team will face the Jefferson Rams on Saturday afternoon.

After playing St. Thomas Aquinas College in recent years, the Pirates will now take on a Rams team that posted a 32-2 record last season. This exhibition game provides head coach Tony Bozzella and his team an early opportunity to adjust and build on-court chemistry. With a roster featuring new faces from diverse backgrounds, it’s a chance to begin forming essential team connections.

Among the newcomers making their unofficial debut is Maryland transfer Faith Masonius. The New Jersey native returns home, and Bozzella has praised her high basketball IQ and leadership skills. In her final year of eligibility, Masonius will play a crucial mentoring role for the younger players.

One young standout is freshman guard Jada Eads. Bozzella described her as “special” at Big East Media Day. Following in the footsteps of great point guards like Lauren Park-Lane, Eads has the potential to become the program’s next star.

Returning guards Savannah Catalon and Amari Wright are ready to lead the team this season. Catalon, a 2024 All-Big East honorable mention, is set for a breakout sophomore year after an impressive freshman campaign. Wright, the sole returning starter, brings elite playmaking and valuable experience to this year’s roster.

Saturday’s matchup will be a solid test for the Pirates, as the Rams are a strong Division II team. Jefferson, which surpassed 30 wins for the first time in program history in 2023-24, returns standout player Sam Yencha. The senior forward was named a WBCA All-America honorable mention and earned CACC Player of the Year honors last season.

Jefferson head coach Tom Shirley is widely regarded as one of the top coaches in women’s collegiate basketball. Now in his 35th season, Shirley ranks fifth among active coaches across all divisions with 881 career wins.

Though Saturday’s game won’t impact the standings, it provides an opportunity for Bozzella to try different sets and rotations in preparation for the season. Homecoming weekend will be the first chance for fans to see this year’s Seton Hall Pirates team in action.

Tipoff is at noon, with exclusive coverage on WSOU beginning at 11:45 a.m. Jack Pine and Nick Powell will be on the call.

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

Posted in: sports,