The Ramapo College women’s basketball team had an eventful week. They faced two tough opponents in their recent matchups, taking home the win against Rutgers-Newark University and falling to Stockton University.
Against Rutgers-Newark, the Roadrunners came alive in the third quarter, going on a 15-2 run that carried into the fourth. Freshman Jocelyn Huancaya hit a two-point bucket late in the third, cutting the lead to just one, making the score 31-30. Junior Brianna Smith’s jumper gave Ramapo a one-point lead, and the team went on an 11-2 run, stretching the lead to 10 with just over two minutes left.
Rutgers-Newark responded quickly by going on a 9-2 run to make it a three-point game with under a minute to play. A clutch three-pointer tied it up at 46, but Huancaya hit a free throw with 11 seconds remaining to put Ramapo ahead. The Scarlet Raiders had one last shot, but it didn’t land, and Ramapo held on for the win.
Huancaya finished with 15 points, shooting 11-15 from the line, plus two assists, three steals, and two rebounds. Freshman Emma Cartwright added nine points, four blocks, and four rebounds. Smith had a career-high 15 rebounds along with eight points, while freshman Leilani Pena dropped eight points, including two three-pointers. The team shot 31% from the field, 22% from the three-point line and 68% from the free-throw line.
Ramapo then faced Stockton in another tight battle, ultimately falling 52-49. The game was back-and-forth, featuring three lead changes and ten ties. Ramapo started strong, outsourcing Stockton 10-5 after the first quarter and taking a 26-23 lead into halftime. The third quarter was evenly matched, but Stockton took control in the fourth, outscoring Ramapo 15-9.
With two minutes remaining on the clock sophomore Lauren Flatt scored a free throw, cutting Stockton’s lead to just one. However, the Ospreys also converted from the free throw line, extending their lead to five, with the score of 50-45. Huancaya was able to cut the lead down, but crucial free throws sealed the win for Stockton.
Flatt led Ramapo with 17 points and six rebounds, while Huancaya added 13 points and six boards. Alison Ahern grabbed a team-high eight rebounds. Ramapo shot 28% from the floor, 25% from three-point range, and 64% from the line.
The highlight of the game was Senior Night, honoring captain Ahern, who played her final home game as a Roadrunner. Before the starting line-ups, fans were asked to direct their attention to the center court, where President Cindy Jebb, Athletic Director Jan Koslowsky, head coach Mike Eineker and assistant coaches Joe Kirk, Dave DeFerrari and Elisha Cross made a special presentation.
Ahern has had an exceptional career at Ramapo. She played in 101 career games, starting 31 of them, and tallied 533 points, 395 rebounds, 55 steals, 43 assists and 29 blocked shots. Her impact on the court is matched by her achievements off the court. Ahern is a member of the Dean’s List, the Women in Business Club and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, where she served as the Director of Finance. She is also the President of the Chi Alpha Sigma Student Athlete Honor Society.
Beyond her stats and titles, Ahern is known for her leadership and dedication. She played a key role in helping the Roadrunners secure an ECAC Championship last season.
The Ramapo College Women’s basketball fought hard, and are continuing their training as their heads turn to the 2025-2026 season.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Ramapo Athletics
