BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The St. Joseph's University, New York (Brooklyn) women's basketball team dropped its regular season finale on Saturday afternoon at The Hill Center, falling to Sarah Lawrence College, 78–70. Kristen Donovan (Maspeth, N.Y.) and Aaniya Telford (Brooklyn, N.Y.) were honored during the pregame Senior Day ceremony.
The Gryphons built an early eight-point advantage midway through the opening quarter, but the Bears responded late in the frame. Telford knocked down a triple in the final seconds to cut the deficit to 18–15 after one.
St. Joseph's found its rhythm in the second quarter. Mercedes Perez (San Antonio, Texas) connected on three triples during a strong offensive stretch, and Judith Vila (Vilassar de Mar, Spain) added a key three as the Bears used an 11–2 run to surge in front. Nikki Grech (Northville, Mich.) was active on the offensive glass during the stretch, helping the Bears carry a 41–39 lead into halftime.
The third quarter featured six lead changes as both sides traded baskets. Grech scored repeatedly in the paint, while Perez buried a late three-pointer to keep the Bears even. The teams entered the final period tied at 59 apiece.
Sarah Lawrence opened the fourth with a 7–2 push and gradually extended its lead behind timely perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. Grech and Telford combined for several key baskets to keep the Bears within a possession midway through the quarter. Following a Donovan free throw, the visitors closed the game at the free-throw line to secure the eight-point win.
Grech led St. Joseph's with 21 points and 15 rebounds, recording a dominant double-double effort in the paint. Nine of her 15 rebounds came on the offensive end. Telford added 18 points to go with four assists and three steals. Perez finished with 16 points and eight boards. Emma Centrella (Varese, Italy) contributed 10 rebounds in the contest as the Bears battled on the glass throughout.
The defeat brings an end to the 2025–26 season for Bears, who close the year with an 11–14 record—marking their highest win total since 2022–23 and the most victories in a single season under head coach Joe Giacchi.
