Seton Hall 63, Longwood 46: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

With the new season finally upon us, our three-man team will once again be providing a greater amount of content, including some on the women's basketball front. With that said, Ray Floriani was on hand in South Orange this past Friday to watch our friend Tony Bozzella's debut at the helm of his alma mater Seton Hall as his Pirates defeated Longwood to start the season with a victory. (Note: Seton Hall is now 2-0 after having defeated Bozzella's former MAAC rival Rider earlier today) As only he can, here is the "Renaissance Man" recapping the festivities from Walsh Gym with his trademark photo essay:

South Orange, NJ – On Friday evening, the college season tipped off. The recurring theme, whether you were in Lexington or Poughkeepsie, (or South Orange) was a new beginning. A new season, starting 0-0 with new expectations.

          Here, the Seton Hall women hosted Longwood. The theme of ‘newness’ was accentuated as Tony Bozzella was coaching his first regular season game at his alma mater. Bozzella rebuilt several programs, the most recent being Iona, which he left in great shape upon making the change last spring.

          The result saw Seton Hall defeat Longwood of the Big South 63-46, a positive beginning for a Seton Hall team Bozzella admits is a “work in progress.” It is a term he uses with enthusiasm, having been through the challenge of rebuilding and approaching it with energy and a positive approach. 

New season, off to a good start. On this night when there were surprises, disappointments and the like, beyond the theme of starting anew, we realize winning never gets old.   

The view from the press table at Walsh Gym:

Officials Mara Wager, Duane Mack and Shannon Feck huddle during a timeout:

Tony Bozzella confers with his assistants...to the right is Lauren DeFalco, who starred for Bozzella at Iona:

The Pirates huddle, with win No. 1 in the books:

Tony Bozzella fields a question in his office:

Ka-Deidre Simmons (14 points, 7 assists, 4 steals) in a postgame interview following a well-rounded job well done: