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Muskie Women Open Season With Win Over New Haven
By
Musketeer Madness,
11/4/2025
The Xavier Musketeers women’s basketball team started the 2025–26 season on a winning note Tuesday night, grinding out a 53–46 victory over the University of New Haven at Cintas Center. The Musketeers built a big halftime lead, weathered a cold stretch in the third quarter, and leaned on their defense down the stretch to secure the win.
Xavier led 33–18 at halftime after holding New Haven to just 8 points in the second quarter, but the Chargers fought back after the break. A 19–11 third quarter trimmed the margin to seven heading into the final frame. From there, the Musketeers closed strong, outscoring the Chargers 9–4 in the fourth to put the game away.
Offensively, Xavier shot 37% from the field and 31% from three-point range, while holding New Haven to just 29% overall and 3-for-18 from deep. The Musketeers also held a 39–36 edge on the boards and forced 15 turnovers, which they converted into 16 points. Their defensive consistency proved decisive after the offense sputtered in the second half.
The Musketeers were led by Makayah Cheeks, who scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Fernanda Ovalle added 10 points and 6 rebounds, while Ayanna Townsend anchored the paint with 8 points and 7 boards. Xavier’s bench chipped in 14 points, highlighted by Nia Clark’s hustle on both ends. New Haven was paced by Katrina Lyles’ 13 points and Kaitlyn Ross’ 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The win gives head coach Billi Chambers a promising start to her second season at Xavier. The Musketeers will look to keep the momentum rolling when they host Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday night before heading into a challenging non-conference stretch.
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