Full Breakdown
Rowan University Athletics: Recent Highlights and Challenges
11/18/2025, 1:54:11 AM
Football Triumphs in Regular Season Finale
In a decisive victory, the Rowan University Profs football team defeated Kean University 47-34 in their New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) regular-season finale on November 15, 2025. This win marked Rowan's third consecutive victory, concluding their season with a 7-3-1 record. The Profs jumped to a commanding 27-0 lead in the first half, with standout performances from quarterback Bookman, who rushed for two touchdowns, and Martin, who recorded two touchdown receptions. The Profs will now await the announcement of a potential bid for the ECAC Division III Bowl game, scheduled for November 22, 2025.
Women's Volleyball Season Ends in NJAC Semifinals
The Rowan women’s volleyball team faced a challenging end to their season, losing 3-1 to Stockton University in the NJAC semifinals on November 15, 2025. The match was emotionally charged, as both teams wore patches in memory of Rowan's late head coach, Deana Jespersen. Despite a strong effort, including a comeback in the third set, the Profs fell short in the fourth set, losing 28-26. Interim head coach Matt Verlinghieri emphasized the team's resilience throughout the season, a quality instilled by Jespersen.
Women's Basketball Narrowly Falls to Elizabethtown
In their season opener, the Rowan women’s basketball team lost a closely contested game against Elizabethtown College, 58-55, on November 15, 2025. The Blue Jays started strong, leading by as much as 13 points, but the Profs mounted a late surge, cutting the deficit to just two points in the final moments. Despite their efforts, a last-second three-point attempt by Rowan did not succeed. Mengel led Elizabethtown with 21 points, while Rowan's performance showcased their potential for the season ahead.
Men's Basketball Struggles Continue
The Rowan men’s basketball team faced a setback, losing 95-92 to Drew University on November 15, 2025. Despite a strong performance from Williams, who scored 27 points, the Profs could not maintain their lead in the final minutes. Drew's late 11-0 run proved decisive, and Rowan's season record now stands at 0-3. The team will seek their first win of the season in their upcoming home opener against Johns Hopkins on November 18, 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Rowan University's athletic teams have expressed a commitment to resilience and teamwork in the face of recent challenges. Interim volleyball coach Matt Verlinghieri noted, “It’s been a core concept for us, and I think the girls, all season long, through everything, have just done an incredible job of bouncing back and battling through everything.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It took a lot, I’m not gonna lie, but for me, at least, the only thing that was going through my mind was coach standing on the sideline being like, ‘Next one, next one, next one,’ and that’s all I had,” — Nia Ipeker, Junior Defensive Specialist
- “She [Jespersen] always said, ‘We not me. It’s not about you, it’s about us,’ and I feel like in that game, it was we,” — Vanessa Hutchinson, Senior Libero
This overview captures the recent performances and challenges faced by Rowan University's athletic teams, highlighting their resilience and determination as they navigate their respective seasons.
