MADISON, N.J. – The Widener women's basketball team debuted at the Rose City Tip-Off Classic tournament hosted by Drew University on Friday and Saturday against Western New England University and Penn State Lehigh Valley. The Pride split the weekend with a victory against Penn State Lehigh Valley on Saturday in the Consolation game and fall to Western New England in the late game.
 
With the split, the Pride begin their 2022-23 season 1-1 and await a MAC Commonwealth game.
 
Game 1 vs Western New England University
 
The Pride's first game was a late tip-off at 8 p.m. against the Golden Bears. The women fought hard but fell short by seven points to open the tournament with a 57-50 loss. Leading the Pride was senior Jordan D'Ambrosio with 13 points and three rebounds. Teammate Gianna Samuels followed close behind with 12 points. From the bench, first year Kimberly Casiello made her first points of her collegiate career with four and added a rebound.
 
The team shot 20 of 55 from the floor and 4 of 22 from beyond the 3-point line. The Pride found more than half of their points from in the paint and put up 17 points from second changes.
 
Game 2 vs Penn State Lehigh Valley
 
The Blue and Gold's second game of the tournament was the consolation game against Penn State Lehigh Valley. The Pride edged out the Lehigh Valley Nittany Lions by five to earn a 75-70 victory Saturday afternoon. D'Ambrosio once again helped the Pride with 20 points, four rebounds, and dished out three assists. First year Mia Robbins earned eight points and led the Pride in rebounds with seven.
 
The women went 27 of 69 in field goals and 11 of 26 from the 3-point line which bettered the Nittany Lions' 26 of 71 and 5 of 19. From the free throw line, the Pride went 10 of 17. Of the 75 points, 38 came from the paint and 23 were from caused turnovers. 
 
D'Ambrosio was named All Tournament team after her performance. She was racked up a total of 33 points over the two games, caused five turnovers, two steals, and a block.
 
Head coach Alisa Kintner is excited for the Pride's season and heads a young team. Coach Kintner's team went 19-7 last season and made a run to the MAC Commonwealth Championships. The Pride graduated seven. "The Drew tournament was a great experience for our young team," Kintner said. "Jordan D'Ambrosio showed leadership which helped the team win against an experienced Penn state squad. I think we learned a great deal about ourselves, but mostly I'm just glad to be off and running in the new season."
 
The Pride bounce right back this coming Wednesday for a non-conference game against the Swarthmore Garnets. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. in Swarthmore, Pa.