HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College women's basketball team (1-0) opened the 2024-25 season with a commanding 71-36 victory over Eastern University (0-1) on Friday evening at Gooding '84 Arena. This win marks Haverford's seventh consecutive season-opening victory, a streak dating back to the 2017-18 season.
Haverford's defense was dominant, holding Eastern to a mere 19.7% shooting from the field. The Fords also excelled on the boards, collecting an impressive 54 rebounds and recording seven blocks.
Junior Caroline Orza stole the spotlight in her Haverford debut, scoring a game-high 29 points. The Loyola (Md.) transfer knocked down five of 11 three-pointers and brought critical energy on both ends of the floor. Shae Mercer was also a key contributor, finishing with eight points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Haverford's depth was on full display, with the bench contributing 22 points as all 12 players saw action. Rookie Grace Leverton made an immediate impact in her debut, pacing the bench with nine points.
The Fords asserted control in the paint, outscoring Eastern 32-6 in that category. Brianna Feifer and Audrey Jakway each added nine rebounds, while Abby Ryan chipped in five assists. Siena Emuobor contributed six rebounds, two assists, and four points.
Orza's three-pointer with 6:27 left in the first quarter put Haverford ahead 10-3, and the Fords steadily extended their lead throughout the first half. A layup by Sophie Baker gave Haverford a 25-10 advantage with just over seven minutes remaining before halftime, and Leverton added a three-pointer to extend the lead to 28-12. Just before halftime, Mercer connected from long range, making it 36-17 in favor of the hosts.
The Fords continued their offensive surge in the second half, with Orza scoring the first seven points after the intermission. Eastern struggled offensively in the frame, failing to score until only 3:17 remained in the third quarter. Mercer's three-pointer early in the fourth quarter made it a 30-point game. First-year Cayla Menicola, making her collegiate debut, added a layup with 3:53 remaining, finishing with five points in just four minutes as the Fords cruised to victory.
Eastern's offense was led by Kayla Worsley-Wooten, who scored seven points, including two three-pointers. Damiyae Moyet added two threes off the bench for the Eagles.
The Fords will now hit the road for a matchup against Immaculata on Wednesday, November 13, with a 7 p.m. tip-off. This game kicks off a four-game road trip, with Haverford set to return home on Saturday, November 23, to face Rosemont at 1 p.m.