Granville, Ohio- A slow start for the three-seeded Denison women's basketball team proved to be too much ground to make up in their 61-56 North Coast Athletic Conference Quarterfinal loss to sixth-seeded Hiram. 

The Big Red and the Terries took to the hardwood for the third time this season. Denison came into the matchup with a 2-0 record over Hiram; however, with each head-to-head, the Terriers found a way to keep the game close. This time, Hiram came out fast and shot often, giving them a comfortable 16-5 lead following the end of the first quarter. Unfortunately for Denison, the Terriers' ability to score short floaters and knock down timely threes throughout the match made it difficult for the Big Red to claw back. After being held to a season-low 17 points in the first half, Denison began to find a rhythm in the second half. The Big Red would pick up the pace of the game in the third quarter, ultimately finding its groove a little too late, putting up 27 points in the final quarter of play to shrink a once 19-point deficit to just four. 

Sophomore guard Abby Cooch finished the night with a double-double, leading the Big Red in scoring (19), rebounds (10), assists (7), and steals (5). Senior guard Maddie Goodman tallied four blocks and eight rebounds and was one of three members to score eight points for the night.

The Terries had two players score in the double-digits, lifting them past the Denison Big Red. First-year guard Isabella Caceres knocked down 18 points and dished out five assists, while junior forward Ava Mory dropped 17 points throughout the game. An impact player for Hiram was first-year Maya Joiner, who scored nine points and grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds and five blocks.

Despite the game's outcome, the two teams mirrored each other's stats. Denison had a one-rebound (35-34) advantage over Hiram, while both teams finished with 14 assists, nine bench points, and six blocks. What gave the Terriers the edge over the Big Red was made free throws; Hiram went 14-21 (67%) from the line when Denison was 50%, sinking just five of its ten attempts.

Denison wraps their season with an overall record of 15-11 and an NCAC record of 8-6. Meanwhile, Hiram (12-14) advances to play second-seeded DePauw University (18-6) in Friday's semifinal game at 7 p.m. at Ohio Wesleyan University.