JWU Wildcats Cruise to 66-46 Win in CNE Semifinal

Grace Jaffray and Tahlia Pena lead the Wildcats to victory and a spot in the championship game.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 3:48am

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The Johnson & Wales University Wildcats women's basketball team defeated the Hartford Hawks 66-46 in the semifinals of the Central New England (CNE) tournament. Grace Jaffray scored a team-high 17 points for the Wildcats, while Tahlia Pena added 16 points. The Wildcats will now host Western New England on Sunday at 1 p.m. with a berth to the NCAA Tournament on the line.

Why it matters

The Wildcats' victory in the CNE semifinal keeps their hopes alive for an NCAA Tournament bid, which would be a significant achievement for the program. The CNE tournament is a prestigious regional competition that showcases some of the top Division III women's basketball teams in the Northeast.

The details

The Wildcats dominated the game from start to finish, leading by as many as 20 points. Grace Jaffray and Tahlia Pena were the driving forces behind the Wildcats' offensive attack, combining for 33 of the team's 66 points. The Wildcats' defense also played a key role, holding the Hawks to just 46 points.

  • The game was played on February 28, 2026.
  • The Wildcats will host Western New England on Sunday, March 2, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Grace Jaffray

A key player for the Johnson & Wales Wildcats women's basketball team, scoring a team-high 17 points in the CNE semifinal victory.

Tahlia Pena

A standout performer for the Wildcats, contributing 16 points to the team's 66-46 win over Hartford in the CNE semifinal.

Johnson & Wales University Wildcats

The women's basketball team from Johnson & Wales University, which advanced to the CNE tournament championship game with their semifinal victory.

Hartford Hawks

The women's basketball team from the University of Hartford, which was defeated by the Wildcats in the CNE semifinal game.

Western New England

The Wildcats' opponent in the upcoming CNE tournament championship game, with the winner earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to have the opportunity to play for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The team has worked hard all season and we're ready for the challenge.”

— Grace Jaffray

What’s next

The Wildcats will host Western New England on Sunday, March 2, 2026 at 1 p.m. with a berth to the NCAA Tournament on the line.

The takeaway

The Wildcats' dominant performance in the CNE semifinal showcases their potential to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, should they secure a bid. The team's balanced scoring attack and stifling defense will be key factors as they look to capture the CNE championship and earn their spot in the national tournament.