Briana Holt and Arielle Edwards led fourth-seeded University with 17 points past fifth-seeded Glen Ridge 48-27 in the Essex County Tournament quarterfinals in Newark.
Holt recorded a double-double with 15 rebounds, while Edwards added 10 rebounds and five blocks.
The Phoenix (14-7) established control early, jumping out to an 11-0 lead after the first quarter. University extended its advantage to 19-5 by halftime and continued to pull away with a strong 17-point third quarter.
Shanaa Manning orchestrated the University offense with 10 assists while contributing six rebounds.
The Ridgers (11-10) showed more life in the second half with 11 points in each of the final two quarters, but couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
University will face top-seeded Caldwell, No. 7 in the NJ.com Top 20, in the semifinals next Saturday.
