It's all about the defense -- not to mention a team finding its groove.

That might be the best way to sum up the Roadrunner Women's Basketball team's 71-56 victory over visiting Passaic Saturday in a key GSAC and Region 19 showdown. And Coach Rich Cooper will certainly take the win over a quality opponent.

The No. 10 nationally ranked Runners, now 9-2 overall after winning their sixth straight, looked solid from start to finish vs.the No. 12 Panthers, who fell to 11-3 overall. The Garden State Athletic Conference and Region 19 win proved special for Cooper's squad. 

"Hey, I'll take this kind of win over a quality opponent like Passaic anytime," said Cooper afterwards. "We played great defense and we came together as a team. Perfect timing on our end!"

Guard Jonysia Clark paved the way with 16 points while teammates Rianna Talley (11) and Nyasia Clark (10) also scored in double figures. On the defensive front, freshman forward Maxine Ampofo enjoyed a solid effort, helping her teammates put the clamps on a normally potent Panther offense.

"We've been stressing defense the past couple of weeks and it seemed like it all came together today," she commented. "Passaic is a tough team, and it was important to play well on defense."

The Runners led the charge from the opening tip off throughout the contest. They built a commanding 43-28 halftime lead and never looked back.

Next up for Cooper's team will be a road game at Division II Raritan Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 20th to close out 2022 prior to the Christmas break.