Rutgers Women’s Hoops Off to Flying Start with Win over Monmouth

Rutgers women's basketball is off to a flying start to the 2023-24 campaign after a 56-51 win over intra-state rival Monmouth at Jersey Mike's Arena on Monday night.

Leading the way were two of the newest member of the Scarlet Knights: Destiny Adams, who had her first career double-double with 13-points and a career best 17 rebounds. And Mya Petticord who dished out 17 points, also a career high for the sophomore transfer out of Texas A&M.

"We certainly have great leadership with Mya at the point and Destiny, she's a matchup nightmare," Head Coach Coquese Washington said in her postgame comments.  "She's so versatile, we can move her around and put her at different spots. I just love what they bring, they bring a tremendous amount of energy."

After falling behind early, Rutgers recovered and took a 6-5 lead on a jump shot by Petticord. Rutgers would never trail again the rest of the night.

Rutgers built upon their lead, amassing a 10-point margin by the end of the third quarter when Kaylene Smikle connected on a bucket to make it 43-33 RU.

By the fourth quarter the Scarlet Knights kept the pressure on Monmouth as Petticord along with Chyna Cornwell connected on jumpers to help RU build a 12-point advantage more than halfway through the final period.

When it was all said and done Cornwell added 10 points while freshman Lisa Thompson contributed seven in her first game. Smikle finished the night with five points and three boards.

Rutgers (1-0) tries to keep the momentum going when they face Wagner on Thursday.