BOSTON – Conference play begins on Jan. 1 after the conclusion of an impressive non-conference schedule by women’s #AEHoops programs over the first two months of the season.
America East women’s basketball concluded conference play with a 56-48 record against Division I opponents this year. It marked the first time since 2018 the league had 50 non-conference DI wins and it is the best winning percentage (.539) since going 57-40 in 2006. Six of nine programs own a NET under 190, led by Vermont (89), UAlbany (94) and Bryant (128). Binghamton (165), Maine (174) and NJIT (183) are also under 190.
The Week That Was
- Binghamton went 1-1 at the FDU Christmas Classic, highlighted by a 62-51 win over host FDU, which snapped a 21-game home win streak for the hosts. The Bearcats fell 59-54 to Penn on Tuesday.
- Vermont took down Dartmouth 61-59 with some late clutch free throws. Jadyn Weltz had 16 points and seven assists in the win.
- Eva DeChent put up 24 points and seven rebounds in a 64-59 win over New Haven.
- UMBC and UMass Lowell came through with dominant wins against Division III opponents, while NJIT shot past Delaware State 75-62.
Looking Ahead
- League play starts tomorrow, highlighted by defending champion Vermont traveling to face runner-up UAlbany at 2 p.m.
- UMass Lowell hosts Maine at 6 p.m., while Bryant welcomes New Hampshire at 6 p.m. as well.
- UMBC and NJIT battle in Baltimore at 6:30 p.m. to conclude the evening.
America East Links
Fans will once again be able to watch every #AEHoops game this season regardless of where they live! The majority games will air on
The AE on ESPN, either ESPN+ or ESPN3, in the United States. Games will also be available internationally on AmericaEast.TV. Those games will be available on computers, OTT devices and the brand new America East app, which is available on all
IOS and
Android devices and can be found by searching ‘America East Conference’ in app stores.
2025-26 Weekly Award Winners (Dec. 31)
Co-Player of the Week
Kendall Bennett, Binghamton – Jr. Forward, Philadelphia, Pa
- Averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds and 1 block per game in a 1-1 week.
- Posted a career-high 21 points with 15 rebounds in a 62-51 victory over host FDU.
- Had 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists in a 59-54 loss to Penn.
- This is Bennett’s first #AEHoops Player of the Week of her career.
Rookie of the Week
Heidi Williams, UMBC – Fr., Guard, Prince Georges County, Md.
- Posted 15 points, 11 rebounds and five steals in a dominant win over Notre Dame (Md.) to conclude non-conference play.
- This is Williams’ second #AEHoops Rookie of the Week honor.
Weekly Award Winners
Nov. 11 – Player of the Week: Alejandra Zuniga, NJIT; Rookie of the Week: Amaya Stewart, UAlbany
Nov. 17 – Player of the Week: Maddie Rice, UMass Lowell; Rookie of the Week: Heidi Williams, UMBC
Nov. 24 – Co-Player of the Week: Nia Scott, Bryant; Co-Player of the Week: Bella Pucci, Binghamton; Rookie of the Week: Amaya Stewart, UAlbany
Dec. 1 - Player of the Week: Adrianna Amith, Maine; Rookie of the Week: Kennedy Austin, UMBC
Dec. 8 - Player of the Week: Ava Locklear, NJIT; Rookie of the Week: Kennedy Austin, UMBC
Dec. 15 - Player of the Week: Mia Mancini, Bryant; Rookie of the Week: Carletta Bennett, Binghamton
Dec. 22- Co-Player of the Week: Eva DeChent, New Hampshire, Co-Player of the Week: Adrianna Amith, Maine Rookie of the Week: Ashley Redd, Binghamton
Dec. 31 – Player of the Week: Kendall Bennett, Binghamton; Rookie of the Week: Heidi Williams, UMBC
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ABOUT AMERICA EAST
Founded in 1979, the America East Conference is an elite NCAA Division I athletic conference that fosters an environment for student-athletes to become champions. Comprised of academically renowned, like-minded member institutions located in the Northeast region of the United States, America East is committed to broad-based excellence and progressive in its approach to supporting its more than 3,500 student-athletes across 18 sponsored sports. For more information, visit
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- America East Conference – Where Champions Rise -