Mount St. Mary’s University women’s basketball will open its 53rd season against the Navy Midshipmen at 7 p.m. Monday, November 2, at Knott Arena in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This marks the program’s first home season opener since 2018, when it hosted Washington College, and its first opener against a Division I opponent since 2015, facing William & Mary.
Team Composition and Early Action
Mount St. Mary’s University women’s basketball features 16 players on its roster, including five returners, five transfers, and six true freshmen. The team recently played an exhibition game against George Mason, where Valentina Saric led the Mount with 15 points and Alana Powell contributed 10 points.
Monday’s game kicks off a three-contest week for the team. Following Navy, the Mount will travel to UMBC on November 5 and then host UAlbany on November 8 as part of the America East-Metro Challenge.
Navy Midshipmen Return Strong
Last season, the Navy Midshipmen won 22 games and posted a 15-2 record in Patriot League play before participating in the WBIT. Zanai Barnett-Gay led the team averaging 16.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game and was named to the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Watchlist. Leading returners such as Zoe Mesuch and Julianna Almeida bolster Navy’s lineup heading into the season.
Series History
Mount St. Mary’s University leads the all-time series against Navy 21-9. The upcoming game will be their 31st matchup overall. The teams last met in 2023, with Mount St. Mary’s winning 67-59 in overtime. Jessica Tomasetti scored 20 points in that victory, including 11 free throws.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Mount begins the season with a challenging home opener against a Navy team that returns strong from a 22-win season and WBIT appearance. The Mount’s 16-player roster combines experience with fresh talent. Fans can anticipate an intense week as Mount St. Mary’s faces three competitive opponents in a tight schedule.
Source: Original report
