CHESTER, Pa. – The Salisbury University women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign in impressive fashion on Friday night, rolling past Centenary University (N.J.) 98-37 in the opening game of the Widener Tournament.
The Sea Gulls (1-0) set the tone early, jumping out to a 27-5 advantage after the first quarter. Abby Plaugher knocked down an early three-pointer to give Salisbury its first lead that they never gave up. Salisbury's defense limited Centenary to just two made field goals in the opening period. Salisbury continued to build its advantage in the second quarter, outscoring the Cyclones 24-11 to take a commanding 51-16 lead into halftime.
The Sea Gulls kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, adding another 24 points while holding Centenary to 11. Salisbury entered the final quarter with a 75-27 advantage and continued its balanced offensive attack throughout the fourth, outscoring the Cyclones 23-10 to secure the 98-37 season-opening victory.
Plaugher and Nicole Miller paced the Sea Gulls with 14 points apiece. Plaugher added three rebounds and two steals, while Miller finished with two rebounds and two steals. Keturah Stewart chipped in 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Luci Damico added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Mia Padula contributed nine points and eight rebounds, both in their collegiate debuts.
Game Notes
- Salisbury finished with 23 steals and forced 33 Centenary turnovers, converting those miscues into 41 points.
- The Sea Gulls received 51 points from their bench and totaled 44 rebounds, including 13 offensive boards.
- Salisbury shot 51.4% from the floor (37-of-72), knocked down 12 three-pointers and finished with 33 fast-break points.
The Sea Gulls return to action tomorrow for the second day of the Widener Tournament. Salisbury will face host Widener University in Chester, Pa., with tip-off scheduled 3 p.m. with the weekend championship on the line.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 26 individual national championships, and 212 conference championships, and have produced 54 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
