WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — William & Mary women's basketball opened the 2026-27 campaign with an impressive 81-37 exhibition victory over Christopher Newport on Friday night at Kaplan Arena.
The Tribe jumped out to a 23-4 lead after the opening quarter and never looked back, shooting 51.8% from the field while holding the Captains to just 21.6% shooting.
Freshman Skyla Mastronardi led William & Mary with 11 points and six rebounds, knocking down three 3-pointers in her collegiate debut. Fellow freshman Denver Carlton added 10 points, four rebounds and a team-high five assists.
Ari Mercado and Monet Dance each finished with 10 points, while Sophia LeGoullon added eight. Natalie Fox, Dynasti Pierce and Amelia Basit chipped in seven points apiece.
William & Mary shot 42.9% (9-of-21) from beyond the arc and held a 39-30 rebounding advantage. The Tribe also recorded 21 assists on 29 made field goals and forced 24 Christopher Newport turnovers, converting them into 25 points.
First Quarter
William & Mary came out firing, scoring the game's first 18 points before Christopher Newport got on the board with 3:10 remaining in the quarter. Mastronardi knocked down a pair of 3-pointers during the opening run, helping the Tribe build a 23-4 lead after the first 10 minutes.
Second Quarter
The Tribe continued to control the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Captains 19-8. A 3-pointer from Dance extended William & Mary's lead to 30 points with 2:30 remaining, and the Tribe carried a commanding 42-12 advantage into halftime.
Third Quarter
Christopher Newport found some offensive rhythm in the third quarter, but William & Mary maintained its comfortable lead. LeGoullon scored four points early in the period, while Dance added four as the Tribe entered the final quarter ahead 55-26.
Fourth Quarter
William & Mary closed out the exhibition with its highest-scoring quarter of the night, outscoring Christopher Newport 26-11. Mercado knocked down two 3-pointers in the final four minutes, while Basit scored seven points in the period to help the Tribe secure the 81-37 victory.
Up Next
William & Mary officially opens the 2026-27 season Monday, Nov. 2, hosting Chowan at 4 p.m. inside Kaplan Arena. The contest will be the first game of a basketball doubleheader, with the Tribe men's team facing Bridgewater at 7 p.m.
Monday's women's game will feature a bucket hat giveaway for students.
