BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, New York (Brooklyn) women's basketball team opened its 2025–26 campaign with a strong offensive showing on Saturday afternoon, powering past Medgar Evers College, 87–59, at The Hill Center.

The Bears established rhythm early behind strong perimeter shooting and defensive pressure, using a series of stops and transition finishes to build a 24–15 lead after the opening quarter. Mercedes Perez (San Antonio, Texas) and Kristen Donovan (Maspeth, N.Y.) each had nine points in the period, combining to shoot 4-of-6 from three.

The Cougars battled back, briefly leveling the score midway through the frame, but St. Joseph's closed the period composed, responding with a 10-4 run to maintain control entering halftime, ahead 45–40.

The Bears broke the game open coming out of the break, outscoring the Cougars 29–9 in the quarter behind lockdown defensive pressure and transition execution. Perez alone outscored the visitors in the third stanza, 15-9. The lead continued to grow in the fourth as the Bears managed tempo and closed out the win, 87-59.

Perez led all scorers with 29 points, knocking down six three-pointers to pace the offense. Donovan followed with 21 points and four rebounds, while Grech added eight points and five boards. The Bears also received 21 points from their bench, led by six from Gabriella Cinque (Staten Island, N.Y.), contributing to sustained energy and depth throughout the afternoon.

St. Joseph's (1–0) returns to action on Monday, November 10, traveling to face York College (N.Y.) at 6 p.m.