Hofstra falls too Miami in Season Opener
Hofstra University’s women’s basketball team began its 2025-26 season with a loss, falling to teh University of Miami 82-57 on November 8th. Despite a strong start,the Pride struggled with turnovers,rebounding,and fouls,ultimately proving too much to overcome.
“We knew going into this one that it would be tough,” said Hofstra head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “I thought our team came out, had a great start to the game and then it got away from us.Turnovers, offensive rebounds and then those fouls.”
Hofstra debuted an unconventional starting lineup featuring Micaela Carter, Emma Von Essen, Alarice Gooden, Ayen angoi, and Sandra Magolico. The smaller lineup initially sparked a rapid 6-1 lead fueled by 3-pointers from Von Essen and Carter. A 3-2 zone defense forced early miami turnovers, extending the lead to 10-7 before the Hurricanes responded.
Miami seized control with consecutive 3-pointers following a timeout, and capitalized on Hofstra’s defensive adjustments. They closed the first quarter with an 11-2 run and followed it up with a 9-0 run in the second quarter. Miami outscored Hofstra 49-22 across the second and third quarters.
Turnovers proved especially damaging for the Pride, with 23 committed compared to Miami’s 10. The Hurricanes converted these errors into 29 points. Hofstra has historically struggled with turnovers, ranking sixth in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in turnovers per game in 2025 and second in 2024.
The disparity in possessions was meaningful, with Miami attempting 15 more field goals, 16 more 3-point attempts, and 19 more free throws. Hofstra’s 24 fouls to Miami’s 14 contributed to the free throw differential, despite the Hurricanes shooting only 52% from the free throw line.
the loss of two key frontcourt players to graduation was evident, as Miami dominated the paint 38-24, shooting 10-of-24 from inside. Hofstra was also outrebounded 46-33, with Miami securing 20 offensive rebounds.
Despite the defeat,Coach Santos highlighted the potential of senior guard Alarice Gooden. “We need her to be aggressive on both ends of the floor,” Santos said.”She’s a three-level scorer and an offensive threat, and so we’re gonna continue to need that from her.” Gooden led the team in rebounds and assists, adding six points in her start.
The game also marked the collegiate debuts of freshmen Kiyanna Blacks-Stewart and Olivia vanpatten, alongside transfers Sandra Magolico, Sana’a Garrett, and Deivejon Harris. Magolico led the newcomers with 12 points on 6-9 shooting, Garrett added nine points (4-8 FG, 1-2 3PT), and Harris contributed six points, four rebounds, a steal, and a block. Garrett was one of three Hofstra players to make a 3-pointer.
“There were spurts in there where I thought we played really well,” Santos said.”A lot to build from and continue to get better in and then areas that we got to improve.”
Hofstra will next travel to New Haven, Connecticut, to face Yale University on Tuesday, November 11th, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m. at the John J. Lee Amphitheater.
