The Roadrunner women's basketball team began their season on a solid note by picking up an 85-72 win over previously unbeaten Delaware Tech at Stockton University Tuesday night -- however the final outcome was not settled until the closing moments.

Four players finished in double figures for Coach Rich Cooper, including Trina Deveney-Bethea with 19, Jilonne Daley with 16, and Kyleah Holmes and Danielle Jefffreys with 12 each.

The Runners saw a 20-point advantage second-half lead narrowed down to 5 points due to turnovers created by Del-Tech's relentless pressure defense.

RCSJ struggled in the first half, but managed to head into the locker room with a 34-32 advantage despite early foul troubles. But Holmes and teammates Riley Starke (7 points), Jeffreys and Daley all enjoyed solid outings in the third quarter as the Runners extended the lead to 60-48. Deveney-Bethea began the final quarter with a pair of key baskets as the Runners opened up a 20-point advantage before the Hawks made a late run.

Click Here to View Photo Highlights vs. Delaware Tech

Other contributors for Cooper included forward Rianna Talley (9 points) and guard Syria Bass (8 points). Deveney-Bethea also pulled down 12 rebounds whilw Daley dished out 6 assists in a winning effort. 

The game was the first of six straight road games for the Roadrunners to open the 2021-22 season. Next up for RCSJ will be an away contest at Mercer County Community College Thursday in a 5 pm start.