Owls fall to unbeaten Comets

GAMBIER, Ohio – The Kenyon College women’s basketball team returned to Tomsich Arena on Monday evening but was unable to slow down a red-hot Capital University squad, falling 70–55 to the undefeated Comets. With the loss, Kenyon moves to 3–4, while Capital improves to 6–0 on the season.

Sophomore Susannah Zimmerman delivered her third double-digit performance of the season, finishing with 18 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting. She knocked down 4-of-5 from long range, added five rebounds, and turned in one assist and one steal. Classmate Kiana Mollabashy added nine points, going 2-of-4 from deep, while contributing six rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Senior Grace Murphy chipped in seven points (3-of-6 FG), four rebounds, an assist, and a block.

Capital seized momentum immediately, hitting a pair of threes in the opening minutes to build a quick lead as part of a 10–5 run Kenyon countered with a pair of scores from Sophomore Alyssa Horsley, Mollabashy, and Zimmerman but the Comets’ perimeter shooting continued to stretch the gap. Capital closed the quarter shooting above 60 percent from the floor and held a 25-15 advantage after 10 minutes.

The Comets continued to dominate on the scoring end, shooting a mere 7-of-15 (46.7%) from the field, while the Owls experienced a drought, only scoring six points in the quarter. The visitors closed the quarter with a score of 44-21.

Kenyon opened the second half with energy, forcing early stops and getting baskets inside from Murphy and Zimmerman. But every Owls push was answered, Capital converted on multiple possessions and knocked down three triples to keep the margin in double digits and extend their lead to 60-39.

Kenyon showed grit in the final frame, trimming the deficit to 15 after a Murphy three, a pair of layups, and two makes at the charity stripe from Zimmerman. Capital, however, delivered the knockout punch with a final three-pointer around the two-minute mark, sealing their 12th triple of the night and putting the game out of reach.

The Comets’ shooting advantage proved too much to overcome. Capital finished 26-of-59 (44.1%) from the field and 12-of-29 (41.4%) from beyond the arc. Kenyon shot 19-of-56 (33.9%) from the floor and 4-of-19 (21.1%) from deep. Both teams were similar at the line, with Capital at 6-of-9 and Kenyon at 13-of-21.

Kenyon turns its attention to NCAC play as the Owls host Wittenberg University in their conference opener. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Tomsich Arena. 

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