Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (4-2, 1-0 NJAC) overcame a narrow third-quarter deficit to defeat Kean University (2-3, 0-1 NJAC) 51-46 in the first conference game of the season. Stockton's fourth-quarter push proved decisive, as the Ospreys outscored Kean 17-11 to secure the victory.
 
Stockton came out with a strong start, leading 16-15 after the first quarter. They extended their lead to 30-22 at halftime with a solid contribution by Grace Speer (Estell Manor/ACIT), who finished with a team-high 12 points in the game.
 
However, Kean fought back in the third, outscoring Stockton 13-4 and taking a 35-34 lead into the final quarter. The Ospreys responded in the fourth period. With key defensive stops and timely scoring, Stockton regained control and delivered when it mattered most to finish strong for the 51-46 triumph.
 
Imene Fathi (Wildwood/Wildwood) scored six of her eight points in the fourth quarter and Speer added four. Jameelyonna Horace (Penns Grove/Penns Grove) also gave the Ospreys a lift with four of her career-high six markers in the final stanza.
 
In the end, Stockton's defensive intensity and fourth-quarter execution led them to the win despite a strong performance from Kean's Brittany Graff, who scored a game-high 17 points. Maya Edwards also hit double figures with 10 markers for the Cougars.
 
Lauren Winant (Middletown/Middletown South) tied for game-high honors with nine rebounds and Skylar Fowlkes (Vineland/Vineland) grabbed eight boards for the Ospreys.
 
Stockton will return to action on December 4 when they face The College of New Jersey at 5:00 p.m. in Ewing, New Jersey.