North Branch, NJ - The Women's Basketball team opened up the 2020 season this week with a 75-69 victory over the Orange County Community College Colts. The Colts came out red hot in the first quarter as the Lions trailed 23-20 to start the second quarter. However, the Lions were able to step up their defensive effort in the second quarter as they held the Colts to just 8 points. RVCC would take a 37-31 lead into the half. At one point in the the fourth quarter the Lions were up 66-50 before Orange cut the deficit to six right as time expired. 

Leading the way for the Lions was Ali McGrath with 20 points. Three other Lions scored in double figures as Precious Allah had 17, Morenike Akinrefon had 16, and Dyliany De Leon had 12. De Leon registered her first double double of the season as she snatched a team high 13 rebounds on the night as well. The Lions were very effective on the glass as every member of the team had at least five rebounds. In her first game with the Lions Freshman Evelyn Nunez finished with 2 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds, four of which were offensive. 

RVCC improves to 10-5 on the year and will resume Region XIX play this Saturday when they travel to Bucks County College to take on the Centurions at 12 PM.