CRESSON, Pa. – The Mount Aloysius College women's basketball team opened its 2026-27 season in winning fashion on Friday evening, defeating the Waynesburg University Yellow Jackets, 71-63, inside the Athletic Convocation and Wellness Center (ACWC). After a slow start offensively, the Mounties found their rhythm in the middle quarters, using a strong second-half performance to secure their first victory of the season.
Waynesburg came out firing in the opening quarter, connecting on four three-pointers to establish an early advantage. The Mounties struggled to find their offensive rhythm in the opening ten minutes, shooting just 29.4 percent from the field as the Yellow Jackets took a 17-13 lead into the second quarter.
Despite the early deficit, Mount Aloysius quickly settled in and began to take control of the contest. The Mounties improved their shooting percentage to 46.7 percent in the second quarter, connecting on seven of their 15 field goal attempts while knocking down two shots from beyond the arc. Their improved offensive execution, combined with increased defensive pressure, helped limit Waynesburg to just ten points in the period. Mount Aloysius outscored the Yellow Jackets 17-10 in the quarter to erase the four-point deficit and carry a 30-27 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Mounties delivered their strongest offensive quarter of the evening, erupting for 24 points in the third period. Mount Aloysius shot an impressive 50 percent from the floor, converting nine of its 18 attempts while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. The Mounties' offensive surge was complemented by another strong defensive effort, holding Waynesburg to just 14 points in the quarter. By the end of the third, Mount Aloysius had extended its lead to 54-41, putting itself in a commanding position heading into the final ten minutes.
Waynesburg attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 22 points while shooting 46.7 percent from the field. However, the Mounties remained composed down the stretch, converting seven of their 13 field goal attempts in the final period to hold off the Yellow Jackets and secure the 71-63 season-opening victory.
Leading the way for Mount Aloysius was senior standout Molly Kosmack (Homer City, Pa., Homer-Center), who wasted no time demonstrating why she was selected as the AMCC Preseason Player of the Year. Kosmack opened her final collegiate campaign with an outstanding all-around performance, recording a double-double with a team-high 16 points and 12 rebounds. The senior forward was highly efficient offensively, shooting 8-for-13 from the field while also contributing five assists, four blocked shots, and a steal in 34 minutes of action despite battling foul trouble. Kosmack's presence on both ends of the floor proved instrumental in helping the Mounties overcome their early deficit.
While Kosmack provided veteran leadership, a pair of Mount Aloysius freshmen made immediate impacts in their collegiate debuts. Kylie Rebert (York, Pa., Central York) and Makenna Weimert (Duncansville, Pa., Hollidaysburg) each poured in 14 points, giving the Mounties a significant offensive boost in their first appearances as a Mountie.
Rebert, who earned a spot in the starting lineup, played a team-high 36 minutes and showcased her ability to both score and facilitate the offense. The freshman connected on two three-pointers, went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, and dished out a team-high six assists while adding three steals. Weimert provided an impressive spark off the bench, scoring her 14 points on an efficient 7-for-13 shooting performance in just 17 minutes. She also contributed four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
The Mounties received additional contributions throughout their lineup, with junior Brionna Brown (Cranberry Township, Pa., Seneca Valley) adding nine points, including two three-pointers, while junior Ashlie Weaver (Schellsburg, Pa., Chestnut Ridge) chipped in seven points off the bench on 3-for-5 shooting. Senior Annalyn Isaacs (Harmony, Pa., Mars) contributed five points, and Haley Ross (Three Springs, Pa., Southern Huntingdon) added four points while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.
As a team, Mount Aloysius shot 44.4 percent from the field (28-for-63) and an impressive 83.3 percent from the free-throw line (10-for-12). The Mounties also demonstrated their ability to move the basketball effectively, finishing with 20 assists on 28 made field goals. Defensively, Mount Aloysius forced 20 Waynesburg turnovers and recorded 15 steals, while holding the Yellow Jackets to just 34.4 percent shooting from the field. The Mounties also held a 38-26 advantage in points in the paint and received 23 points from their bench.
The victory gives Mount Aloysius a 1-0 record to begin the 2026-27 campaign, as the Mounties look to build momentum following a successful season opener at home.
Mount Aloysius will now turn its attention to its first road contest of the season, traveling to New Wilmington, Pa., this Monday, November 9, to take on the Westminster College Titans inside Buzz Ridl Gymnasium. The Mounties will look to carry their momentum from tonight's season-opening victory into their first test away from the ACWC.
#GoMounties
