Bold start: Stonehill faces a challenging weekend at the Hatter Classic, juggling two tough opponents while chasing growth and momentum. But here’s where it gets interesting: this event could define how far the Skyhawks can push in the early portion of the season.
Overview
The Stonehill women’s basketball team travels to DeLand, Florida to play Bethune-Cookman and Stetson as part of the Hatter Classic on December 19–20. The Skyhawks meet the Wildcats Friday at 1:15 p.m. and conclude with the Hatters Saturday at 11 a.m. The weekend slate pits Stonehill (3-5) against Bethune-Cookman (2-7) and Stetson (6-2), with NEC play not yet on the horizon for these non-conference matchups.
Broadcast and stats
- ESPN+ will carry the Stetson game, while the Bethune-Cookman game will not be streamed. Live stats are available for both games. Custom play-by-play and color commentary will come from designated broadcasters for the Stetson clash. Check the team’s official pages for links and any last-minute streaming updates.
Key strengths and trends
- Free-throw proficiency: Four Stonehill players shoot 75 percent or better from the stripe, including Brooke Paquette, who sits at 87.1 percent (27-31) and ranks 48th nationally. Last season, Stonehill led the NEC with 80.2 percent as a team, ranking fifth nationally.
- Start fast: Stonehill has shown an ability to control the game early, going 70-14 when leading at halftime over the past five seasons, and currently 2-0 in 2025-26 in that category. Notably, 25 of the Skyhawks’ 32 Division I wins have come when they lead at intermission.
- Defense matters: The Skyhawks have a strong track record defensively, going 95-20 over the last six seasons when holding opponents under 40 percent shooting. This year, they’re 3-1 when keeping foes under 40 percent.
Season highlights and players to watch
- Freshman Reese Roggenburk earned NEC Rookie of the Week honors (Nov. 17) after averaging 14.5 points and 10.0 rebounds the prior week, including a double-double against Niagara. Roggenburk posted a 19-point, 11-rebound performance against Niagara as her first career double-double.
- Scoring depth: In Stonehill’s 77-55 win over Rider on Nov. 13, five Skyhawks reached double digits, led by Paquette with a season-high 20. The Niagara win on Nov. 11 saw four players reach 10+ points.
- Notable streaks and milestones: The Skyhawks have produced multiple players with career highs across the season, including Phoena Dadson’s 17-point showing against Bridgewater State and Julia Webster’s 13-point game versus Rider. Emma Arcà and Bella Mallory have also contributed pivotal scoring bursts in early-season wins.
- Leadership: The 2025-26 Skyhawks are led by three captains—Molly Lynch, Bella Mallory, and Brooke Paquette—providing veteran guidance as Stonehill navigates the non-conference slate.
Historical context and program milestones
- The 2024-25 season marked Stonehill’s first non-conference postseason appearance at the Division I level, as they earned an automatic WNIT bid and competed against Massachusetts. They entered 2025-26 as NEC contenders with a high degree of familiarity within the conference.
- Stonehill’s program history includes a milestone: on January 25, 2025, the Skyhawks joined an exclusive group by reaching 1,000 program wins, a testament to a long-standing basketball tradition. As of the 2025-26 season, Stonehill sits among the top programs in New England in total wins.
- The program also highlights notable alumni reaching professional ranks, such as Sharn Hayward, who signed with the University of Canberra Capitals in the WNBL and previously starred for Stonehill, highlighting the program’s development pipeline.
Upcoming schedule and opportunities
Following the Hatter Classic, Stonehill will travel to Nashville to face No. 14/13 Vanderbilt on December 28 at 3 p.m. EST, a high-profile test against a top-tier program that could sharpen the Skyhawks’ readiness for NEC play later in the season.
Why this weekend matters
- This event is more than a pair of games; it’s a chance to test the team’s resilience, refine free-throw efficiency under pressure, and tighten defensive rotations against diverse offenses. The outcomes could influence seeding, confidence, and the team’s approach to conference play.
Engagement and follow-up
For the latest news, box scores, and in-game updates, follow Stonehill Athletics on their official channels and check the game notes and live stats links provided by the department.
Discussion prompts
What are your takeaways from Stonehill’s free-throw consistency and defensive efficiency so far this season? Do you think the Skyhawks’ non-conference schedule adequately prepares them for NEC play, or should the schedule adjust to optimize preparation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
