Wayne, NJ – Stockton University (1-8, 0-5 NJAC) trimmed a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit down to four in the final minute but the rally fell short in a 76-69 defeat at William Paterson (4-5, 2-3). Freshman Emily Donzanti (Toms River/TR South) led the Ospreys with 16 points and a game-high six assists.
 
Donzanti shot 7-14 (50%) from the field including two three-pointers in the contest. Natalie Miller (New Milford/New Milford) tossed in 13 points and tied her career high with eight rebounds. Kirsten Flournoy (Sewell/Timber Creek) also hit double figures with 12 points while Lajerah Wright (Atlantic City/Atlantic City) was solid off the bench with nine points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes.
 
Flournoy and Mckenna Forry (Waterford/Hammonton) each scored four points in the first quarter, which ended with the Ospreys trailing 22-15 after a late three-pointer by Miller. Stockton managed just 11 points in the second period, including four by Flournoy, and faced a 41-26 deficit at the break.
 
Miller and Donzanti sank back-to-back jumpers early in the third quarter to make it 41-30 before the Pioneer established control, outscoring Stockton 18-10 the rest of the period for a sizeable 59-40 advantage after three quarters.
 
The Ospreys made a charge by scoring 29 points in the fourth stanza. They trailed 67-45 with 5:55 to play but did not fold, instead battling back with a 22-4 run over the next 4:17. Donzanti scored seven points and Miller hit two three-pointers during the onslaught.
 
When Forry hit a jumper in the paint with 38 seconds left, Stockton's deficit was just four at 71-67. The Ospreys were forced to foul and William Paterson staved off the rally by sinking 5-6 at the line down the stretch to defeat Stockton 76-69.
 
Julie Rovito led the Pioneers with a game-high 17 points plus seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Alisa Giordano and Brianna Brooks scored 11 points apiece for the Pioneers.
 
Stockton will return home to host Kean University at The Sports Center on Wednesday at 7 pm.