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Over the past couple of seasons, the Seton Hall women’s basketball team has tried everything to make a return to the NCAA Tournament.
Despite the talent the team has had, it just hasn’t been enough to get them over the hump. It’s truly insane to think that with names like Faith Masonius, Azana Baines and Savannah Catalon, one would assume that they would have been in it again. Mind you, this team has been one of the better BIG EAST’s sqauds over the past few years.
The last time the Pirates appeared in the NCAA Tournament was in 2016 which of course was a while ago. However, head coach Tony Bozzella may have put together a non-conference schedule so good that it could be enough to get them into the tournament.
Introducing the official schedule that was announced last Thursday:
11/3 - Mercyhurst
11/6 - Indiana State (11:30 a.m. start)
11/12 - Fairfield
11/15 - NC State
11/17 - @ Auburn
11/23 - Rider
Paradise Jam:
11/26 - USF
11/28 - Baylor or Penn State
12/2 - Princeton
12/8 - @ Rutgers
12/13 - @ Columbia
12/19 - Wagner
"One of our most-challenging in years, this is the type of non-conference schedule that positions us well for a deep March run," Bozzella said in the press release Thursday.
The schedule at hand is really strong for the Pirates. Quite frankly, it’s one that can help them achieve their goal of dancing in the sport’s premier tournament.
For the Pirates, having their first four contests at home is massive. This is great for a team that has a few new young and inexperienced players on their roster this season. With all due respect to Mercyhurst and Indiana State, both teams were a mixed bag last season so these are perfect games for the freshmen to gain experience in.
What I adore about this non-conference schedule is that Bozzella wants to challenge his players and prove to others that they can hang with the best. In particular, their stretch of games from November 15 to December 13 is a gauntlet.
In particular, I have my focus on four games which include NC State, Auburn, Princeton and Rutgers. With regards to NC State and Auburn, the Pirates faced both of them last season and the settings for both have switched.
Having the Wolfpack in South Orange this season is massive as they have been incredible under HC Wes Moore’s watch. No doubt this would be a statement victory if the Pirates were able to pull it off.
A quick turnaround follows for the Pirates as they make the trip down to Alabama to face the Tigers after beating them at home last December. While Auburn isn’t one of the best teams in the SEC, the Pirates snagging an impressive road win there would help their resume a ton. Funnily enough, the men’s program will face Nate Oats and Alabama in Tuscaloosa a few days prior so expect a lot of Jersey vibes in “the Heart of Dixie.”
Come the beginning of December, games against in-state rivals in Princeton and Rutgers will certainly not be easy. While Princeton lost arguably their best player in Madison St. Rose to Notre Dame, the team returns four starters which may give them an advantage over the Pirates.
When it comes to their away game vs Rutgers, the Scarlet Knights are much improved from their 9-20 record in 2025-26. Now coached by former LSU assistant coach Gary Redus II, Rutgers has the names to give the Pirates some headaches. This includes former Morris Catholic star twins Mya and Mia Pauldo, Zennia Thomas and Faith Masonius’ sister Hope.
Let’s not forget their away game vs Columbia a few days later. Winners of last season’s WBIT, the Lions will look to continue their dominance over the Pirates and make it four in a row in the series. It’s worth noting that last season’s Ivy League Player of the Year is back in Riley Weiss.
Certainly, this is not an easy schedule. It is, however, necessary for the team to play because despite all the WBIT appearances recently, Bozzella and the team don’t want to be there. The main goal is the NCAA Tournament.
Once they complete their game vs Fairfield, we will get a better understanding of this team and learn if they have what it takes to be successful. If all things go accordingly, I will hopefully cover their games against Mercyhurst, Rider, Princeton and Rutgers.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple. Just win.