TCNJ begins as NJAC favorite
The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team got a taste of playing competitive every game, playing for a conference championship and playing in the NCAA Tournament last season.
Now, in Chessie Jackson’s second year as coach, the Lions have come back hungrier and more experienced.
TCNJ, which is the preseason favorite to win the New Jersey Athletic Conference, opens the season on Friday on the Packer Hall floor at 5 p.m. and against a very recent rival, Rochester Institute of Technology.
How recent?
The Tigers were the team that overcame a 16-point third quarter deficit to end the Lions’ season, 79-76, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament played in Packer Hall last March.
Not only are the Lions ready to extract a little revenge, they are ready for all the challenges of the 2018-19 season.
“There is a lot to like about this team so far in the preseason,” said Jackson, who guided TCNJ to a 22-7 record in her debut season. “Our returning group is hungry to have another successful season and we are seeing that in how much they are pushing the rookies. Every day has been different, but we are seeing our leaders emerge on the court.”
The leadership group starts with junior Jen Byrne, at D3Hoops.com preseason AllAmerica selection, Shannon Devitt, the NJAC Rookie of the Year, Kate O’Leary, Nicole Shatsky and Sam Famulare round out the group that played in all 29 games.
Montclair State is the six-time defending NJAC champions and now the Lions, who got the preseason nod, are ready to chase down the Red Hawks.
“I love the pressure of the No. 1 preseason ranking,” said Jackson. “But, whether I like or not doesn’t really matter. The sense I’m getting from the team is that they are proud of the respect from the league and they are staying focused on the process and one opponent at a time.”
After opening the season at home, the Lions begin the NJAC season on Tuesday at Stockton, which seems a bit early to start the conference slate in a very competitive NJAC.
After Thanksgiving, the Lions enjoy some California sunshine as they head to the David Wells Classic in Claremont, Calif.
They face Pomona-Pitzer and Claremont McKenna College in the event.
While the Lions have some new faces who are expected to contribute, it’s going to be the veterans charged with the task of getting the team moving until the perfect blend is developed.
“They know what it takes to win, and they want those moments again,” said Jackson. “They have been pushing themselves to new levels every day in practice to reach those goals. Jen Byrne (she missed the 201617 season with an injury) is back in the best shape of her life. She knows that she is a needed element for our success and she is willing to do whatever it takes.”
Byrne, who played at Shawnee, averaged 17.3 points and six rebounds last year.