PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Wagner College women's basketball team began its 2025-26 season at Big Ten member Rutgers on Monday night at Jersey Mike's Arena.

The Seahawks (0-1, 0-0 NEC) trailed the Scarlet Knights (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) by a score of 4-9 at the first quarter under-five media timeout, freshman Alivia Landy found senior Malia Mpondo on a fast break opportunity. For Mpondo, this was her first game of collegiate basketball since March 6, 2023 as the Swiss native missed the last two season due to injury. 

Out of the media timeout, Rutgers hit back-to-back to extend its lead and would head into the second half with a 15-7 lead. 

In the second quarter, Rutgers attempted 15 free throws, making 10, as the Seahawks took six free throws in the quarter and converted on three. 

Rutgers held a 9-1 advantage in second chance points during the frame as the Scarlet Knights led 35-15 at the half. 

For Wagner, junior Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor lead all scorers with four points, Mpondo scored three points and grabbed five rebounds, redshirt senior Klea Kaci, and sophomore Keana Fox also added in three points in the first half.

Foz would go onto scored six of the Sehawks' 13 points in the third quarter. Both teams scored five second chance points in the period, but Rutgers held a 14-4 advantage in paint points. 

In the final quarter of play, Wagner outscored Rutgers 22-16, leading in points in the paint, points off of turnovers, and second change points. 

Foz had six points for the second straight quarter while junior Saioa San Francisco scored her first five points as a member of the Seahawks.  

In the end, Rutgers prevailed, 79-50, over Wagner.

Foz lead all scorers with a career-high 15 points while Kaci scored 10 points, Modesayor added nine, San Francisco with eight and Mpondo chipped in five points and a team-high seven rebounds. 

Next up, the Seahawks welcome SUNY New Paltz for their home opener on Wednesday, November 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Spiro Sports Center.