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GAMBIER, Ohio — The Kenyon College women’s basketball team faced a difficult challenge against DePauw University (11-4, 5-0 NCAC) on Saturday afternoon at Tomsich Arena, falling 76-38 in North Coast Athletic Conference action. Despite some bright moments from their young roster, the Owls couldn’t overcome DePauw’s efficient offensive performance.
DePauw established control early and maintained it throughout the contest, shooting 39.7 percent from the field while holding Kenyon (2-13, 0-5 NCAC) to 35.7 percent shooting on 10 fewer makes. The visitors managed an even greater advantage from three-point territory, shooting 47.4 percent while holding the Owls to a 37.5 percent clip. The Tigers’ defense proved particularly effective, forcing 21 turnovers with 16 steals while committing only eight themselves.
The second quarter showcased some of Kenyon’s most competitive play of the afternoon. Alexis Newman connected on a three-pointer at the 8:58 mark off an assist from Melana Pomerants, demonstrating the team’s improved ball movement. Pomerants then added to the offensive effort with a turn-around jumper at 8:09. With 1:57 remaining in the half, Susannah Zimmerman displayed her scoring ability with a pull-up jumper, and Katherine Organ closed out the quarter strong with a driving layup in the final ten seconds.
The scoring efforts from Kenyon’s bench, combined with solid defense, helped the home team outscore DePauw 11-10 in the frame. Despite these offensive bright spots, DePauw’s first-quarter scoring kept them in control as they took a 33-18 lead into halftime.
Alyssa Horsley continued her strong freshman campaign, matching fellow first-year Kiana Mollabashy with seven points and adding a game-high eight rebounds. Organ, another member of Kenyon’s promising first-year class, poured in a team-high eight points, two off her career high, after connecting on all three field goals, including two triples.
The Tigers showcased their depth with a balanced scoring attack, building a substantial lead that reached as high as 40 points. DePauw’s bench contributed 27 points to the victory, while their defense held Kenyon to just two free throw attempts compared to their own 17-for-23 performance from the line.
Despite the final score, there were moments of promise for the young Owls squad. Kenyon managed to secure 22 rebounds and recorded eight assists as a team, showing glimpses of effective ball movement. The Owls also demonstrated improvement in their three-point shooting, connecting on six of their 16 attempts from beyond the arc.
Kenyon will look to bounce back on Wednesday night on the road at The College of Wooster. Both of these teams have similar records on the season, and in conference, so it should be a competitive matchup between squads who split last season’s series. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
