WASHINGTON, Pa. – A lopsided fourth quarter allowed the Washington & Jefferson College women's basketball team (2-0) to secure a 65-59 victory over visiting Case Western Reserve University (0-2) in the final game of the 2026 Vicki Staton Tipoff Classic inside Salvitti Family Gymnasium.
For a second-straight day, the Presidents were powered by the senior duo of
Katie Kovalchick (Shelocta, Pa./Indiana Area) and
Jaden Wan (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock). Kovalchick recorded a near triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Wan turned in 15 points and nine rebounds to finish off a strong opening weekend. For their efforts, Kovalchick was named the Vicki Staton Tip-off Classic Most Outstanding Player. Wan also earned recognition on the All-Tournament Team.
The Presidents showed balance behind the top two scorers. Three Presidents finished just shy of double figures, as senior
Jacey Mullen (New Springfield, Ohio/Springfield Local) added nine points. Freshman
Bri Morreale (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) and senior
Marina Grado (Monroeville, Pa./Gateway) tallied eight points apiece. Senior
Raegan Kadlecik (McKees Rocks, Pa./Montour) added six points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals.
CWRU scored the opening six points of the game before taking an 8-2 advantage. The Presidents found their footing offensively, as the Red and Black forged a 12-5 run, with three-point makes by Wan and Kovalchick to make it 14-13 in favor of the Presidents at the 3:37 mark. CWRU countered with its own run and led by a 22-18 score after 10 minutes.
The Spartans built a 34-22 lead advantage midway through the second quarter. However, the Presidents responded back once again, outscoring the Spartans by a 12-4 score for the remainder of the frame. Morreale started the run with a made triple. Wan also accounted for five points during the spurt. CWRU led by a 38-34 score at halftime.
The two teams traded scores over the first minutes of the third quarter. W&J regained the lead as a layup by Mullen made it 42-41 at the 5:51 mark. CWRU used some hot-shooting for the remainder of the quarter to take a 57-49 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter belonged to the Presidents, as the hosts limited the Spartans to just one made field goal over the final 10 minutes. Leading by a 59-51 score, CWRU was held scoreless over the final nine-plus minutes. Following a triple by Morreale, Kovalchick converted three straight field goal attempts. Kovalchick's layup tied the game with 3:17 remaining. Following consecutive defensive stops, Kovalchick converted another layup to push the Presidents in front for good. Additional defensive stops and four made free throws allowed the Presidents to ice the game in the final seconds.
W&J welcomes Division's III reigning national champions, top ranked Denison University, to Salvitti Family Gymnasium on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The tip off time between the Presidents and Big Red is scheduled for 7 p.m.
