TCNJ exceeding preseason expectations with solid start

If this week was supposed to be a test of the growth and grit of The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team, it’s off to a very inspiring start.

Facing preseason favorite New Jersey City on Saturday, the Lions will look to show the rout of Rowan, picked to finish second, was no fluke.

TCNJ was selected fifth and is definitely not playing like a middle of the pack team with a 5-2 mark and 2-0 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.

Rowan, which TCNJ defeated 71-52 on Wednesday, is 4-3 and 1-1 in the NJAC. Saturday’s foe, NJCU, is 1-3 and 1-1 in the conference. TCNJ and NJCU will meet at 1 p.m. in Jersey City.

The Lions are still a very young team with just five seniors, and sixth-year coach Chessie Jackson has been more than pleased with the start.

“Our team is off to a solid start, having played a tough non-conference so far,’’ said Jackson. “I’m impressed with our team’s consistent effort in practice. It will serve us well come February, even if there are some bumps in the road in the lead up.’’

The Lions have been led by Sophomore Nina Branchizio with 14.7 points per game, 12 assists and 12 steals.

“Nina is so solid, and to have that level of composure and confidence in a point guard is key,’’ stated Jackson. “I’m excited to see her growth and performance this season. She’s dialed into winning.’’

There are several other Lions that are dialing up some pretty solid numbers.

Senior Julia Setaro averages 13.1 points per game, 14 assists and 14 steals. Junior Izzy Leazier pours in 11.1 points per game and has a team-high 6.9 rebounds per game, including a career-high 11 in the win over Rowan.

Senior Sydney Blum averages 8.3 points per game and Junior Kaitlyn Deiter has a team-high 17 assists

The highlight of the Lions season before the holidays will be a trip to the Puerto Rico Classic in San Juan.

But first there some more NJAC business to take care of as after NJAC they have Kean (3-3, 1-1 NJAC) at home and Montclair State (2-3, 0-1 NJAC) on the road.

Yes, the Lions are young, but they have solid leadership and the experience gained in previous seasons has given them some very important depth.

“I’m definitely pleased with our group’s leadership this season,’’ said Jackson. “We have a seasoned captain group and way more in-game experience, and our team’s ability to hold each other accountable is impressive.’’

As long as the Lions continue to play with the same focus and purpose, it appears they are not going to be satisfied with being a preseason fifth-place selection.

It appears this team is going to reach for much higher goals.

NJAC News

Ramapo, which has not had a winning season since 2012-13 with a 17-10 record, is off to an impressive 6-0 start and 2-0 in the conference. …Rutgers-Camden’s Jalissa Pitts leads the conference in scoring with 20.4 points per game.