Bryant women beat Binghamton to advance in 2025 America East tourney
The Bulldogs advance to the second round of the America East women’s basketball tournament
Rival women’s basketball coaches in the America East expect Lynne-Ann Kokoski to continue climbing the standings at Bryant this upcoming season.
The Bulldogs were selected third in the team poll during the virtual media day on Monday, Oct. 20, trailing only defending champion Vermont and perennial contender Maine. The Catamounts received seven first-place votes while the Black Bears picked up the other two.
Bryant’s returners also include a selection to the all-conference team. Mia Mancini, the former All-State guard during her prep days at the Wheeler School, was one of six players named among the league’s best entering her junior campaign in 2025-26.
“Really excited about what we’re returning and some of the new faces we added,” Kokoski said at the Oct. 20 virtual event. “Just looking to continue to build.”
Mancini was the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2023-24 and played in all 32 contests last season, leading the Bulldogs in scoring, assists, 3-pointers made and sharing the team high in steals. She’s a standout among familiar faces like Mimi Rubino, Olivia Fernandez, Maranda Nyborg, Martina Boba and Nia Scott.
“I love where she’s at,” Kokoski said. “I love her mindset. She’s a really selfless kid – she wants everyone else to do well – and she’s a competitor.”
That established talent base should allow Bryant’s transfers to settle in quickly. Abbey Lindsey and Rose Nelson were the two headlining additions, a scoring guard from UMass Lowell and a versatile forward from Fordham, respectively. Lindsey averaged 11.0 points in 25 games with the River Hawks last season while Nelson was a former teammate of Nyborg’s during their time together with the Rams.
“When they stop practice to coach newcomers – ‘Hey guys, it’s easier if we do this’ – I just smile,” Kokoski said. “I stand back, I smile, and I say, ‘Thank you.’”
The Bulldogs closed 17-15 overall last year, eliminated by Vermont in the league tournament semifinals. Bryant beat Binghamton in a home quarterfinal – reversing the result from the same matchup the previous year – before running out of steam in a 62-45 loss at the Catamounts. Vermont went on to upset Albany and earn an NCAA Tournament berth for the second time in three seasons.
“A lot of tears in that locker room when we lost in that semifinal,” Kokoski said. “A lot of returners who said, ‘We’re not done yet. We’re not satisfied.’ They’re playing with some fire and some pride right now, which is exciting to see.”
The Great Danes dropped to fourth in the poll, leading NJIT, the Bearcats, New Hampshire, UMBC and UMass Lowell. Catherine Gilwee and Nikola Priede were named to the all-conference team for the Catamounts, and Maine forward Adrianna Smith – who missed last season due to a knee injury – joined them with the Black Bears. Hilltoppers guard Alejandra Zuniga and Wildcats guard Eva DeChent – a University of Rhode Island transfer who led the league in scoring last season – rounded out the individual selections.
“I look at it as first-year vibes right now, but with two years of experience coaching under my belt,” Kokoski said. “You’re a little bit more comfortable now. You understand your system. You’ve made some adjustments. It’s not as new.
“Hopefully, it’s just continuing to build and be what we’re about.”
The Bulldogs host Central Connecticut State to begin the season on Nov. 3, part of a stretch that sees them play three of their first four games at home. Bryant will travel to Providence and Boston College as part of a nonconference schedule that sees them stay within a bus ride of home through the first two months. New Hampshire visits on Jan. 1 to open league play.
On X: @BillKoch25
