In the 2003‑04 season, the Saint Francis University women's basketball team turned a simple schedule into a historic run, finishing the Northeast Conference slate without a single defeat and securing an 18‑0 record that still stands as a benchmark for the program.
A Tournament to Remember
The team entered the NEC Tournament as the top seed and dispatched Mount St. Mary's, Quinnipiac and Monmouth in successive games, each victory cementing their dominance and propelling them toward the championship.
Beth Swink, the junior forward who would later be crowned NEC Player of the Year, anchored the offense with a 21.3‑point average and added a 28‑point, 14‑rebound performance against No. 6 Purdue shortly after the conference tournament.
Tonjee Ward, celebrated as Defensive Player of the Year, capped her senior campaign by earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors, delivering 24 points, nine rebounds and seven steals in the title game.
The upcoming Hall of Fame induction will honor the entire squad, a testament to a season that combined flawless conference play with a memorable tournament run and lasting impact on the university’s athletic legacy.