GAMBIER, Ohio — The Kenyon College women’s basketball team secured its second victory of the season Monday night, defeating the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 69-60 at Tomsich Arena. This was the Owls highest offensive output of the season, smashing their previous high of 55, scored in the team’s first win against Penn State Shenango. The victory improves the Owls’ record to 2-6, while the Bobcats fall to 1-8.
Kenyon established control early, scoring five quick points in the opening minute. Megan Lieb, starting in place of the injured Anissa Hardy, connected on a jump shot off an assist from Grace Murphy, who followed with a three-pointer on the next possession. The Owls’ sharp shooting continued throughout the first quarter, as they shot 55.6% from the field (10-of-18) to build a 22-15 lead after 10 minutes.
Pitt. Greensburg mounted a comeback in the second quarter, outscoring Kenyon 18-14 behind the strong play of Tiana Moracco. Moracco, who finished with a game-high 19 points, made her presence felt on both ends of the floor, recording four steals and three blocks. Despite the Bobcats’ surge, Kenyon maintained a slim 36-33 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter proved decisive as the Owls outscored the Bobcats 17-to-7. While Kenyon’s offense started slowly, not scoring until Alyssa Horseley’s free throw at the eight-minute mark, their defense proved impenetrable. The Owls held the Bobcats to just 3-of-20 shooting from the field, including 0-of-9 from three-point range, while dominating the glass with a 16-to-9 rebounding advantage.
First-year Kiana Mollabashy led the Owls’ offensive attack with 17 points, including three three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and two blocks in 29 minutes off the bench. Murphy contributed a career-high 13 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting (3-of-6 from deep) and shared team-high rebounding honors with Lieb, each securing eight boards for another career mark for Murphy. Lieb also enjoyed a career night, shooting perfectly from the field (3-of-3) for nine points, while Horseley added 13 points and five rebounds.
The Owls will look to build on their momentum when they host Kalamazoo College on Wednesday at 6 pm.
