HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Nov. 15, 2016)- Senior Heather Yaros (Hopatcong, N.J. / Hopatcong) poured in a career-high 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists as the Centenary University women's basketball team defeated Rutgers-Newark, 66-57 in the season opener on Tuesday evening.

Senior Mallory George (Berkeley Heights, N.J. / Governor Livingston) finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Cyclones, who improve to 1-0 overall. Faith Ashby finished with 19 points and nine rebounds for the Scarlet Raiders, who fall to 0-1 overall.

After falling into a 9-0 deficit early in the first half, the Cyclones closed the gap with two buckets apiece from Yaros and George which cut their deficit to 9-8. The Scarlet Raiders would hold on to their advantage in the first half, as Maria Simmons and Faith Ashby combined for 17 of their 30 first half points. Rutgers held a 30-25 lead at intermission.

In the second half, the Cyclones would take over for good with an 11-2 run, which was highlighted by back-to-back baskets by senior Melissa Rabe (Byram, N.J. / Lenape Valley). Centenary led 42-37 entering the fourth quarter. The Cyclones posted a 57.7% shooting percentage in the second stanza, which included 41points on 26 shots.

Junior Nicole Cartaino (Midland Park, N.J. / Midland Park) finished with 10 points and five rebounds, while Rabe added seven points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Junior Rachel Edwards (Phillipsburg, NJ / Phillipsburg) connected on two triples and finished with nine points as Head Coach Rose Haller recorded her first career victory as Cyclone.

Coach Haller and the Cyclones will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 19, hosting the Nittany Lions of PSU-Abington at 1:00 p.m.