Seton Hall women’s basketball opened its 2025-2026 campaign Tuesday night with an 88–39 win over St. Peter’s University at Walsh Gym, while setting the tone for a season focused on defensive intensity and perimeter discipline.
For head coach Anthony Bozzella, the game was a test of a goal he stressed throughout the offseason: improving perimeter defense and limiting open looks from 3-point range. After the game, Bozzella said the team’s defense against the Peacocks was “not bad” and had room for improvement.
“But it can always be better,” Bozzella said. “We play teams that shoot 40-plus 3-pointers a game, so we need to be ready.”
The Pirates held the Peacocks to just 14% shooting from beyond the arc (4-for-28) and 26% overall. SHU’s aggressive rotations and ball pressure led to 24 St. Peter’s turnovers, which turned into 34 points for the Pirates on the other end.
Senior guard Jordana Codio led the scoring with 20 points on 7-of-13 (53%) shooting, while showcasing her sharpshooting and finishing ability around the rim. Sophomore guard and Preseason All-BIG EAST Team selection, Jada Eads added six points, five assists, and three steals as well.
Bozzella’s emphasis on team defense paid off early. SHU jumped out to a 25–8 first-quarter lead, forcing St. Peter’s into nine turnovers and holding them without a made field goal for nearly four minutes in the first. Junior forward Savannah Catalon, the other preseason All-BIG EAST Team selection for the Pirates, set the tone defensively, leading the Pirates with three steals on the night.
The Pirates’ bench also showcased the team’s depth and defensive versatility. Freshman guard Zahara Bishop scored 15 points and grabbed two rebounds in 13 minutes, while sophomore guard Ja’Kahla Craft added 13 points and provided strong on-ball defense throughout the game. Graduate forward Mariana Valenzuela was active inside, collecting eight rebounds and a steal in her Pirate debut.
As much as the offense clicked (48.6% from the field and nine made 3-pointers), the postgame focus stayed on the other end of the floor. Last year, SHU allowed opponents to just 33.6% from deep, something Bozzella has repeatedly identified as a weakness. Tuesday’s effort showed progress toward changing that narrative.
SHU’s defensive communication stood out most when St. Peter’s tried to space the floor. By halftime, the Peacocks had just 19 points and were 3-for-15 (20%) from long range.
The Pirates’ focus now shifts to their upcoming West Coast road trip, starting with the University of San Francisco on Nov. 14. For Bozzella, the challenge will be maintaining defensive consistency against faster-paced, 3-point-heavy opponents.
With eight new players and a coach demanding discipline, SHU’s dominant opening night showed a team willing to prove that this season, defense really does define the Pirates.
Jaden Highsmith is the assistant editor of The Setonian’s Sports section. He can be reached at jaden.highsmith@student.shu.edu.
