NEWPORT, R.I. – The JWU (Providence) women's basketball team opened 2026 with a resounding 74-49 win over in-state rival Salve Regina University Friday night in non-conference action at the Rodgers Recreation Center.

Sophomore Grace Jaffray led all student-athletes with 25 points to go with 10 boards, four assists, two dimes and two steals in 33 minutes. The Blue Hill, Maine native knocked down four triples and also went 3-of-4 from the charity stripe.

Senior Mikayla Caruso racked up a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for JWU, which improved to 9-3 with the win. Sophomore Brianne Foley filled the stat sheet with 16 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks while classmate Mia Cruz notched 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

The Wildcats shot 60 percent in the opening quarter to build an early 24-13 lead and led 40-18 at the half. They finished the night at 36 percent shooting – including 40 pct. from downtown (12-of-30). Defensively, the Wildcats held the Seahawks to just 26 percent from the field and turned 24 turnovers into 24 points.

Freshman Julia Blum picked up five points, five boards, four assists, three steals and a pair of blocks in 20 minutes off the bench for head coach Dino Porcic.