Box Score 

PURCHASE, N.Y. – Sophomore April Smith (Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional) posted 15 points and 17 rebounds as the William Paterson women's basketball team (1-0) opened its 2008-09 season with a 68-51 win at Manhattanville (1-1) Nov. 18.

Smith was 7-for-11 (.636) from the field, and 11 of her rebounds came on the offensive end in her first game as a Pioneer. Junior Deidra Thompson (Prospect Park, N.J./Paterson Eastside) chipped in 12 tallies, five rebounds and two steals in her William Paterson debut, junior Julie Haledjian (Montvale, N.J./Pascack Hills) dished out eight assists to go along with six rebounds and two steals, and junior Kelly McCourt (West Milford, N.J./West Milford) added six points, seven rebounds and two blocked shots.

Nina Johnson led three Valiants in double figures with 14 points, adding nine rebounds. Lauren Grenier added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Olivia Nastasi scored 13 points.

The Pioneers will compete at Muhlenberg's Scotty Wood Tournament this weekend. William Paterson will face Penn State Altoona Friday, Nov. 21, at 1:00 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 22, the consolation game will be played at 1:00 p.m., followed by the championship at 6:00 p.m.