GAMBIER, Ohio (Jan. 4) -The Denison women's basketball team returned to Ohio and kicked off the new year with a dominant performance, defeating the Kenyon Owls 79-28. This victory marked the Big Red's ninth consecutive win over Kenyon and improved their season record to 8-5 overall and 1-1 in NCAC play.

Coming off a challenging trip to Florida, where they faced two nationally ranked teams, Denison started slow but found their rhythm in the second quarter. The Big Red consistently put points on the board while stifling the Owls' offense, preventing them from gaining any momentum. To highlight the end of the first half Adelyn Moore sent a smooth pass to a cutting Abigail Westmeyer for two points, putting Denison ahead 31-15 at halftime, doubling Kenyon's score and foreshadowing what was in store for the second half.

The Big Red extended their lead with a relentless offensive and defensive effort in the second half, holding the Owls to single-digit scoring in every quarter. Denison closed the game with a 33-point explosion in the fourth quarter, showcasing their depth and efficiency.

Abigail Westmeyer led the Big Red with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Abby Cooch also delivered a standout performance with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Maddie Goodman and Brooke Toigo added 8 points each, with Goodman contributing 5 rebounds and Toigo knocking down two three-pointers.

Denison's bench played a crucial role, contributing 30 points. Adelyn Moore provided 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Izzy Arguelles added 4 points, Sydney Wood scored 4 points on 2-of-3 shooting, and Maeve Gaffney and Katie Houpt chipped in 3 points each.

Denison's defense was stellar, holding Kenyon to just 20% shooting from the field and forcing 19 turnovers. The Big Red capitalized on those opportunities, scoring 28 points off turnovers and dominating with 42 points in the paint.

The Big Red will continue conference play as they host Wooster on Saturday, January 11th, at 2:00 PM inside Livingston Gymnasium.