The University of Rochester Yellowjackets kicked off their 2024-25 season with a 35-point win against the FDU Florham Devils at the UR Chuck Resler Invitational the Louis Alexander Palestra on Friday evening, winning 84-49.

Abby Gress got Rochester out to a quick start with five points in the first minute and a half of play. The 'Jackets (1-0) spread the love around early with six players scoring in the first quarter of play.

Great ball movement gave Grace Corelli the opportunity to hit two three-pointers to send Rochester into the second quarter with a 27-12 lead, with Claire Groenewoud assisting on both buckets.

UR showed off their defense in the second quarter only allowing the Devils four points on 2-of-16 shooting from the field.

At the end of the second, Rochester was shooting 57% from the field and 53% from distance, while also winning the rebounding battle 32-14. That correlated to a 53-16 lead at intermission.

A big part of the UR lead was Gress and Rylee Drahos combining to shoot 10-for-12 from the field in the first half. Gress dominated the glass with nine rebounds up to this point.

Despite the Devils outscoring UR 16-10 in the third quarter, Rochester still held a comfortable lead heading into the final period.

The big margin going into the fourth quarter gave Rochester the chance to show off some of their younger players with first-year Jazzy Perez putting up seven points in the final period alone. Rookie sisters Deniz Alparslan and Meliz Alparslan also contributed four points apiece.

Overall in the game, Rochester was led by a double-double from Gress with 19 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 71% from the field and going 7-for-7 from the free throw line.

Drahos contributed 13 points and three assists while Corelli showcased her stellar shooting with nine points in nine minutes with three 3-pointers on the evening.

Rochester showcased strong defense with 14 total steals in the game with three each from M. Alparslan and Raquel Williams.

The Yellowjackets will face off on Saturday in the Chuck Resler Tournament Championship game against Whitman College at 6 pm. Whitman dispatched Franklin & Marshall in Friday's other semifinal action at the Palestra.