GRANVILLE, Ohio – Denison University's women's basketball team opened the 2025-26 season with a commanding 104-48 victory over Muskingum University inside Livingston Gymnasium.

The Big Red (1-0) set the tone early, outscoring the Muskies (0-1) 33-7 in the first quarter. Denison maintained its momentum throughout, taking a 59-20 halftime lead after another strong second quarter. Muskingum tried to keep pace in the third, scoring 17 points, but Denison's balanced attack continued to dominate. The Big Red closed the game with an 18-11 fourth quarter to cap a season-opening rout.

1st Quarter: Denison exploded early, opening a 12-2 run over the first several minutes. Abby Cooch orchestrated the offense, dishing assists to Brooke Toigo, Morgan Kress, and Izzy Arguelles. Adelyn Moore added an three-pointer, while Kress scored inside and on a jumper, helping the Big Red build a commanding advantage and outscoring Muskingum 33-7 in the opening quarter

2nd Quarter: Denison continued its momentum, going on another run, outscoring Muskingum 12-4 midway through the quarter. Adelyn Moore contributed another three-pointer and a layup off a feed from Abby Cooch. Hannah Grudzien scored on a few layups, while Jess Zittel and Ada Taute added points from the free-throw line and in the paint, keeping the Muskies at bay and extending its lead to 59-20 at halftime.

3rd Quarter: Muskingum attempted to rally, but Denison answered with a 10-0 run midway through the quarter. Morgan Kress had multiple driving layups, Isabelle McFadden hit a three-pointer assisted by Ada Taute, and Taute added jumpers and free throws. Abby Cooch continued to facilitate the offense with multiple assists, while Adelyn Moore added another three-pointer to keep the lead growing and allowing the Big Red to maintain a 27-17 quarter margin.

4th Quarter: Denison closed the game strong. Grace Dressell knocked down four key free throws and Jess Zittel scored on driving layups. Bench scoring helped push the Big Red to a final total of 71 points from reserves.

Key Performances

• Ada Taute led the Big Red with 12 points and seven rebounds.

• Adelyn Moore added 13 points and six boards, helping keep Denison's offense firing. 

• Abby Cooch orchestrated the game with 11 assists and nine points.

• Denison's bench contributed 71 points.

The Big Red start the season 1-0 and will aim to extend their strong start on Wednesday, Nov. 12, against Wilmington College.