UNION, N.J. — The New Jersey City University women's basketball team opened the season with a bang, defeating Kean University on the road, 64-52 on Friday evening, Feb. 5, in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action.

Both teams came out strong, as the Gothic Knights (1-0, 1-0 NJAC) closed the first quarter leading 16-15. Kean (0-1, 0-1 NJAC) controlled the early going in the second frame, until momentum swung towards the Gothic Knights on a freshman Nahjeemah Holmes (Elizabeth, NJ/John E. Dwyer Tech) jumper and a three-pointer from fellow rookie Damaris Rodriguez (Secaucus, NJ/Secaucus) with 5:39 remaining in the half that gave the Knights a 23-21 lead. The Cougars answered with a three of their own, but the Knights managed to keep pace, taking a 29-28 lead to the locker room.

Both teams came out swinging to start the second half, but it was NJCU who took the lead with 7:53 remaining in the third quarter on a senior Dayjah Anderson (East Orange, NJ/Newark Tech) jumper and never looked back. The Gothic Knights shot 44 percent from the field in the third, putting up a scoring barrage of 20 points that kept them firmly in the lead to the final whistle.
 
The Knights' dominance inside was the difference down the stretch as they scored 36 points in the paint while holding the Cougars to 18. Anderson led the way for the Gothic Knights with a double-double, tallying 20 points and 10 rebounds in the debut.

After a long wait to begin her first season, Rodriguez notched a fantastic two-way effort, putting up 17 points, six assists and leading the team in steals with four. Sophomore Zianna Goda (Roselle, NJ/Newark Tech) and Holmes also added offensive firepower, putting up 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Gothic Knights tangle with the Cougars again tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 6, at 1:00 p.m. as they open home play in the friendly confines of the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center (JMAC). With no fans allowed in attendance, be sure to catch all the action live on NJCUGothicKnights.com/GothicVision.