GRANVILLE, Ohio – Denison women's basketball team opened the Sara Lee Classic with a hard-fought 77–73 victory over Transylvania University on Friday night inside Livingston Gymnasium. The Big Red (3-0) held off a late surge by the Pioneers to secure the win in front of a loud home crowd.

1st Quarter:Denison started the game with intensity, forcing turnovers and attacking the basket to stay in the fight. Early layups from Anelly Mad-toingué and Abby Cooch, along with assists from Violet Mitchell and Molly Dorighi, helped the Big Red respond and keep the game close. Transylvania countered with fastbreak points, keeping the game tight. Brooke Toigo and Cooch each knocked down key three-pointers late in the quarter, giving the Big Red an 18–15 advantage after the first frame.

2nd Quarter: Denison extended its lead through a combination of three-point shooting and free throws. Ada Taute and Cooch each buried triples, while Taute added points at the line to push the lead to eight. Transylvania responded with occasional baskets but Denison's defense forced turnovers and limited high-percentage looks, allowing the Big Red to take a 36–33 advantage into halftime.

3rd Quarter: The Big Red maintained control after the break, with Mad-toingué, Mitchell, and Toigo scoring in the paint and from long range. With under four left, the teams deadlock but key buckets from Molly Dorighi, Cooch, and Mitchell along with timely shots to help keep Denison ahead 57–56 heading into the fourth quarter. Transylvania stayed within striking distance, setting up a tense final period.

4th Quarter: The final frame featured several lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Early turnovers led to a three-pointer from Cooch and a tip-in from Mad-toingué, extending Denison's lead to 64–59. Transylvania answered with a three-pointer, but Denison responded with layups from Cooch and Kress, plus key free throws, to build a 77–73 advantage. The Big Red defense held in the final seconds, forcing Transylvania into difficult shots and sealing the victory.

Key Performances:

• Abby Cooch poured in a career-high 29 points, hitting several three-pointers and sinking key free throws in the closing minutes.

• Brooke Toigo paced the team with three steals, while also contributing 13 points and two rebounds.

• Ada Taute dominated the glass with 11 rebounds and added seven points and five assists.

• Morgan Kress blocked three shots and chipped in nine points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Denison looks to maintain its momentum as the Sara Lee Classic continues, facing Franklin College tomorrow, November 16, at 3 p.m. to conclude the tournament.