CAMDEN, N.J. — The Cedar Crest College basketball team fell to Rutgers University-Camden on Saturday, 63-36, in the First Round of the 2026 ECAC Division III Women's Basketball Championship.

The Falcons began the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, recording three steals and maintaining control of the boards with 14 total rebounds. Senior Megan Perrine (Mount Vision, N.Y./Gilbertsville-Mount Upton) and sophomore Ella Bincarosky (Coopersburg, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) each contributed key baskets, with Bincarosky adding a crucial tip-in and a three-pointer to provide the scoring edge. Cedar Crest capitalized on the Raptors' shooting struggles, allowing just two field goals and no three-pointers in the quarter.

The visitors established an early five-point lead, the largest of the quarter, by effectively limiting second-chance opportunities and keeping Rutgers-Camden at bay. The Falcons closed the quarter with a 9-4 advantage, setting the tone for the next quarter.

Cedar Crest's momentum in the second quarter was challenged when the Scarlet Raptors initiated a scoring surge. Despite an early five-point advantage established at 9:52, the Falcons' offensive efforts were limited to just four points in the quarter. First-year Gabrielle Moore (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) and junior Weronika Swojak (Warsaw, Poland/The Orme School) combined for the team's only successful baskets, with Swojak converting in the paint at 3:03 and Moore assisting.

Defensively, Cedar Crest secured 13 rebounds, but turnovers were a critical issue, with 11 in the quarter. Rutgers-Camden capitalized on these opportunities, scoring 16 points off turnovers and extending their lead with a three-pointer by senior Tireya Wyatt (Sicklerville, N.J.) in the final seconds. The stanza closed with the Falcons trailing 25-13.

Cedar Crest initiated the third quarter with a determined effort to close the gap, highlighted by Swojak's contributions in the paint. The Falcons made strategic plays, including a jumper from Moore, which kept the scoring competitive early in the frame.

However, the Scarlet Raptors capitalized on its opportunities, extending its lead with a series of baskets in the paint and successful fast-breaks. Despite Cedar Crest's persistence, including a late layup by Moore, the quarter concluded with Rutgers-Camden holding a 48-25 advantage.

The Falcons began the fourth quarter with Bincarosky's layup and a free throw, narrowing the margin slightly. Despite defensive efforts, the Scarlet Raptors responded promptly with a triple and maintained pressure throughout the quarter. Cedar Crest managed a brief scoring run with sophomore Ginger Kerdock's (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) three-pointer and layup, supported by Bincarosky's assist, but turnovers and missed opportunities limited further progress.
 
Rutgers-Camden capitalized on fast breaks and second chances to extend their lead, reaching a 31-point advantage at one point. The Falcons finished the quarter with a jumper from Perrine, but the deficit remained significant. The game concluded with the Scarlet Raptors leading 63-36.

For Cedar Crest, Moore scored five points and collected four rebounds in the game. Kerdock recorded seven points and added three steals. Swojak led with 10 points and nine rebounds. Bincarosky contributed eight points along with eight rebounds.

For Rutgers-Camden, Junior Tamea El (East Brunswick, N.J.) contributed significantly with 10 rebounds and two steals, showcasing a strong defensive presence while adding six points and four assists. First-year Tamyia Collier (Reading, Pa.) led the scoring effort with 15 points, converting 7-of-12 field goals and adding three steals to her performance. Sophomore Courtney Edmundo (Piscataway, N.J.) was impactful on both ends, scoring 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, grabbing nine rebounds, and recording five steals and two blocks.

The loss ends the season for Cedar Crest (18-10 overall). Rutgers-Camden (15-13 overall) advances to the semifinals of the ECAC Division III Women's Basketball Championship where they will face top-seeded McDaniel College on Saturday, March 14.