The Kenyon women’s basketball team faced a challenging week in Tomsich Arena, dropping a pair of competitive matchups to fall to 3-6 (0-1 NCAC) on the season. Despite strong shooting performances and balanced scoring efforts in both contests, the Owls were unable to hold off late surges from Wittenberg University on Dec. 4 and Geneva College (Penn.) on Monday. 

In its NCAC opener against Wittenberg, Kenyon engaged in a defensive battle that turned into a fourth-quarter shootout, ultimately falling 67-62 to visiting Wittenberg. 

The Owls opened the game with defensive intensity, holding the Tigers to just 27% shooting in the first quarter while building a 13-7 lead. Kenyon maintained its composure through the first half, heading into the locker room with a slim 26-23 advantage. The half was highlighted by efficient shooting from beyond the arc, as the team hit 4-of-7 from deep. 

The second half saw the game tighten, with the lead changing hands eight times throughout the contest. While the third quarter was a low-scoring affair, the offense exploded in the final period. The Owls poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter, shooting nearly 44% and going a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line. However, the Tigers matched that offensive output and more to reclaim the lead. Kenyon fought hard until the final buzzer, and with just six seconds remaining, Grace Murphy ’26 hit a jumper to cut the deficit to three at 65-62. Forced to foul, the Owls watched the Tigers seal the game on free throws 67-62.

Alyssa Horsley ’28 led Kenyon with 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range. Susannah Zimmerman ’28 added 10 points and pulled down five rebounds while dishing out three assists. The Owls showed their depth, with seven different players scoring at least five points, including seven points apiece from Murphy, Kiana Mollabashy ’28, Lauren Muñoz ’29 and Antonia Marzini ’29. 

Looking to bounce back from Thursday’s loss, Kenyon commenced a high-scoring contest against Geneva. Despite a blistering shooting performance, turnovers proved costly in an 80-73 defeat. The Kenyon offense came out firing, shooting a remarkable 69% in the first quarter. The Owls drained four three-pointers in the opening frame to take a 26-22 lead. However, ball security issues began to mount, allowing the Golden Tornadoes to chip away at the lead and take a 44-39 advantage going into halftime. Despite keeping the game close in the second half, Kenyon never found enough momentum to surge in front and fell 80-73. 

The Owls remained efficient from the floor throughout the night, finishing the game shooting 43.6% inside the three and 47.4% from 3-point territory. Kenyon also controlled the free-throw line, converting 16 of 20 attempts. Ultimately, the Owls could not overcome the possession battle, committing 31 turnovers that Geneva converted into 33 points, offsetting Kenyon’s shooting advantage. 

Zimmerman paced the team with a strong all-around performance, tallying 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Horsley continued her consistent play with 14 points and three assists. Anissa Hardy ’26 provided a spark in the paint, contributing 12 points and seven rebounds and going a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.