Event Preview
Overview
The Rider Broncs women's basketball team is set to host the Yale Bulldogs on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Alumni Gymnasium in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. This non-conference matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Both teams are looking to build momentum as they approach the heart of their respective seasons.
Season Snapshot
Rider Broncs
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Jackie Hartzell, the Broncs have faced challenges early in the season. With a 2-5 overall record, Rider has shown resilience but has struggled against teams with winning records, holding a 1-5 mark in such contests. The team has been adapting to the loss of four key starters from the previous season, which accounted for over 80% of their scoring. (bvmsports.com)
Yale Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have had a mixed start, posting a 2-7 record. Their most recent performance was a 61-48 victory over Bryant, where they outscored their opponents 38-19 in the second half. This win was highlighted by a standout 22-point performance from Ciniya Moore. (yalebulldogs.com)
Recent Form
Rider Broncs
In their last outing, the Broncs faced a tough 81-57 loss to Bryant. Despite the defeat, the team showed competitive spirit, with notable performances from players like Emilee Tahata and Sanaa Redmond. (bryantbulldogs.com)
Yale Bulldogs
The Bulldogs' recent victory over Bryant was a significant boost, especially after a series of challenging games. The team's ability to rally in the second half demonstrates their potential when executing their game plan effectively. (yalebulldogs.com)
Talking Points
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Coaching Dynamics: How will Rider's new head coach, Jackie Hartzell, continue to implement her vision for the team?
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Player Development: Which emerging players will step up to fill the scoring void left by Rider's graduated seniors?
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Defensive Strategies: Can Yale's defense, which has allowed an average of 75.5 points per game, improve to support their offense?
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Home Court Advantage: With Rider holding a 1-0 record at home, how significant will the Alumni Gymnasium crowd be in influencing the game's outcome?
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Turnover Battle: Yale averages 17.1 turnovers per game; can Rider capitalize on this to gain an edge?
Players to Watch
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Ciniya Moore (Yale): After a 22-point performance against Bryant, Moore's scoring ability will be crucial for Yale's success. (yalebulldogs.com)
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Kristina Yomane (Rider): Leading the Broncs with an average of 13.0 points per game, Yomane's consistency is vital for Rider's offense. (wtop.com)
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Aliya McIver (Rider): Averaging 11.1 points per game, McIver's contributions are key to Rider's scoring efforts. (wtop.com)
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Luisa Vydrova (Yale): With an average of 11.8 points per game, Vydrova's performance will be instrumental in Yale's offensive strategy. (wtop.com)
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Emilee Tahata (Rider): Known for her resilience, Tahata's leadership on the court will be essential for Rider's competitiveness.
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Execution vs. Defensive Pressure: Rider's ability to exploit Yale's defensive lapses, particularly their high turnover rate, could be a decisive factor.
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Home Court Dynamics: Rider's home advantage at Alumni Gymnasium may provide the Broncs with the energy needed to challenge Yale's offense.
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Coaching Strategies: The tactical approaches of first-year coach Jackie Hartzell and Yale's coaching staff will be pivotal in determining the game's flow.
Fun Facts
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This is the inaugural meeting between Rider and Yale in women's basketball.
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Rider's home court, Alumni Gymnasium, has a seating capacity of approximately 1,500.
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Yale's recent 22-point win by Ciniya Moore is their largest margin of victory this season. (yalebulldogs.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Rider's new coach, Jackie Hartzell, lead the Broncs to their first win against Yale?"
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"Will Ciniya Moore continue her scoring spree after dropping 22 points last game?"
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"How will Rider's home court advantage play into their performance against Yale?"
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"Can Yale's defense tighten up to reduce their average of 17.1 turnovers per game?"
Prediction
While both teams have shown flashes of potential, Rider's home advantage and the leadership of coach Jackie Hartzell may give them a slight edge. However, Yale's recent victory and the scoring prowess of Ciniya Moore suggest a closely contested game. Expect a competitive matchup with both teams striving to build momentum for the remainder of the season.