DELAWARE, Ohio. – The No. 8 Denison women's basketball team battled in a top NCAC showdown but came up short, falling 72–65 to No. 10 Ohio Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon inside Branch Rickey Arena. After erasing an early deficit and carrying momentum into the second half, the Big Red stayed within striking distance before the Battling Bishops used a strong fourth quarter to secure the win. Denison moves to 17–1 overall and 6–1 in conference play.

First Quarter: Abby Cooch knocked down a three to open the scoring, followed by a finish in the paint from Molly Dorighi, but Ohio Wesleyan responded with a 17–1 run to take a 19–5 lead with under three minutes remaining in the quarter. Denison went without a field goal after the opening baskets until Anelly Mad-toingué converted a tip-in with less than a minute left, and the Big Red trailed 23–11 at the end of the first quarter. 

Second Quarter: Violet Mitchell opened the second quarter with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 25–16 with 6:31 remaining. Molly Dorighi later connected from beyond the arc to bring Denison within 10, and after an Ohio Wesleyan turnover, Mitchell drilled her second three of the quarter to make it 29–22 with under five minutes to play. The scoring drought ended when Adelyn Moore finished a layup with 3:30 left, pulling the Big Red within five at 29–24. Denison then capitalized on another key turnover, as Abby Cooch buried a three before Ada Taute scored on back-to-back possessions, giving the Big Red a 31–29 lead heading into halftime.

Third Quarter: Ohio Wesleyan opened the third quarter with a 6–0 run before Molly Dorighi knocked down another three to keep Denison within one, 35–34, with 7:11 remaining. A trio of Ada Taute, Violet Mitchell, and Abby Cooch then sparked an 8–0 run to reclaim the lead at the midway point, pushing the Big Red ahead 42–35. The Battling Bishops attempted to close the gap, but Denison continued to find quality looks and carried a 50–43 advantage into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter: The two teams traded baskets early in the fourth quarter before Adelyn Moore silenced the loud crowd with a three-pointer to give the Big Red a 62–52 lead with 4:30 remaining. Denison would not score again, as Ohio Wesleyan closed the contest on an 18–0 run, converting every free throw down the stretch to earn a 72–65 victory.

Top Performers: 

• Abby Cooch led the Big Red with 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, and a block.
• Ada Taute recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds while adding five steals and two assists.
• Anelly Mad-toingué finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.
• Violet Mitchell contributed nine points, four rebounds, and three assists.