Galloway, NJ – Stockton University (5-3, 2-3 NJAC) rallied late but could not overcome William Paterson (5-3, 3-2) and fell by a close 80-79 score on Saturday afternoon. Lea Mendolla (Nutley/Mount St. Dominic) led three Ospreys in double figures with 22 points on the day.
 
The Ospreys jumped on top in the first period by a slim 18-17 score on the strength of the three starting seniors. Seven markers by Mendolla, six points from Sasha Williams (Cherry Hill/CH West) and another four by Najha Treadwell (Cinnaminson/Cinnaminson) accounted for the entire Osprey scoring in the frame.
 
The Pioneers took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Stockton 24-15. Stockton shot just 5-14 (35.7%) during the quarter and William Paterson took advantage to lead 41-33 at the break. The visitors kept up the pressure, shooting 53.3 percent (8-15) and 4-4 from the line to post 20 more points and maintain the eight-point margin through three periods at 61-53.
 
The Ospreys steeled themselves, rattling off the first five points of the final period en route to a 13-5 run that knotted the game at 66-66 with 5:05 left in regulation. A three-pointer by Hailee Porricelli (Howell/Freehold Twp.) and a jumper by April Peterson (Lafayette/High Point) spurred the rally. Stockton then took a five-point lead at 72-67 on another shot from behind the arc by Porricelli and five markers by Treadwell.
 
At the 4:15 mark, the Pioneers began their comeback, ripping off eight straight points to regain the advantage at 75-72. Treadwell converted a traditional three-point play to tie it up for the last time at 75-75 with 2:23 to play. The senior later converted two more foul shots to bring the Ospreys to within 80-79 with 34 seconds to play.
 
The Ospreys defense held and gave themselves one last chance to win the game with four seconds left on the clock. Unfortunately, they could not convert and suffered their second straight one-point loss, 80-79.
 
In addition to Mendolla's 22 points, she also pilfered six steals to top all players. Williams added 21 markers and game highs of 15 rebounds and five blocked shots to go with a team-high seven assists. Treadwell chipped in with 20 points, eight boards and four steals.
 
Williams broke the school record for rebounds in a career with her effort today. She topped the record of 988 rebounds set by LaTonya Oliver (2008-12) and became the first player, male or female, in Stockton history to achieve over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in her career.
 
Julie Rovito topped the Pioneers with game highs of 25 points and 10 assists while grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. Teammates Tori Woetzel and Ashley Castillo added 16 and 12 points respectively.
 
Stockton will have nine days off until December 18, when they will face Virginian Wesleyan at home. Game time is scheduled for 5 pm.