QUEENS, NY – Kaci Donovan led the Hawks with 11 points and six rebounds, but Monmouth University Women's Basketball (0-1) dropped its season opener on Monday afternoon at Carnesecca Arena to St. John's University (1-0), 78-39.
 
Monmouth battled in the second half, matching baskets with the Red Storm to open the third quarter. Bri Tinsley made consecutive baskets early in the fourth, including her first three as a Hawk, but St. John's used their strong start to win it, 78-39.
 
After a solid start for St. John's, a nice post move netted the Hawks their first points of the season courtesy of Belle Kranbuhl. SJU used three triples in the opening quarter to lead 19-2. Amiya Carroll's first career basket came after a Lucy Thomas finish, and Kaci Donovan made consecutive shots later in the second quarter ahead of MU's first three-pointer, a Jen Louro make with 1:21 remaining in the half. The Red Storm took a 39-13 lead into the break.

NOTES AND QUOTES

"St. John's is a very experienced, very talented team. This was a good test for us to see where we need to improve. We adjusted and responded well in the second half and I'm very excited for it to come together for a full 40 minutes." – Head Coach Ginny Boggess
 
-Monmouth opened its season against a high-major opponent for the second straight season (2021 at Syracuse).
-Kaci Donovan scored in double figures for the 11^th time as a Hawk.
-Donovan corralled six rebounds for the second time in her career, matching her best.
-Lovin Marsicano and Bri Tinsley made their first career starts and appearances for MU.
-Tinsley scored seven points in her first game in Blue and White.
-Amiya Carroll and Ella Farrelly scored their first collegiate baskets in their college debuts.
-Anaya Coleman netted her first career point from the foul line.

NUMBERS CRUNCH
-Monmouth was outshot 52% to 28%.
-MU was better on the offensive glass, 13-11.
-The Hawks got 19 points off the bench.

UP NEXT
-Monmouth will host NJCU on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.