BOSTON, Mass. – Junior Julie Rovito (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) poured in a career-best 25 points and senior Tori Woetzel (Wyckoff, N.J./Ramapo) grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds to help lead the William Paterson women's basketball team (2-1) to an 83-70 victory over Emmanuel College (1-1) to claim the 2017 Emmanuel Tip-Off Classic, Nov. 19.
 
Rovito was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, averaging 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists during the two victories. Woetzel and junior Ashley Castillo (Ridgefield Park, N.J./Ridgefield Park) also earned spots on the All-Tournament Team.
 
Rovito's 25 points were the most since she scored 20 against New Jersey City on Feb. 9, 2015, as a freshman. The junior guard was one of five Pioneers to finish in double figures in the win. Castillo added 13 points on 3-4 shooting from beyond the arc, junior CeCe Green (Boonton, N.J./Boonton) and Woetzel chipped in 12 points apiece, and freshman Danica DeFrank (Fairfield, N.J./West Essex) added 10 points off the bench.
 
The Pioneers shot 41 (27-66) percent from the field, and held a 52-43 advantage on the glass while forcing 30 turnovers defensively.
 
After trailing by one, 18-17, at the end of the first quarter, the Pioneers outscored Emmanuel in each of the next three quarters to build up the lead. WP put the game away for good with a 53 (8-15) percent shooting effort in the fourth quarter while holding the Saints to just 32 (6-19) percent.
 
William Paterson returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 21, when the team opens New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play on the road against Ramapo College, at 5:30 p.m.
 
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