On Saturday, the Kenyon women’s basketball team faced the DePauw University Tigers in a competitive conference contest where the Owls fell 67-47 in an otherwise impressive defensive showing. Then, on Wednesday, the Owls hosted Wooster College, earning their first conference win of the season, 72-60. 

 The Tigers struck first on a fast-break layup, followed by a successful free-throw attempt and steal. Then, Susannah Zimmerman ’28 earned Kenyon’s first basket of the game, drilling a 3-pointer. Kenyon continued to successfully counter DePauw’s offense, with Anissa Hardy ’26 scoring for the Owls in the paint on a quick layup. While Kenyon gained some initial momentum, the offensive pressure stalled, as a string of turnovers by the Owls resulted in the Tigers capitalizing on offensive opportunities and outscoring Kenyon. In an attempt to close the gap, Rae Oberster ’29 added to Kenyon’s total on a good layup attempt. The Owls were able to minimize the damage in the first quarter, scoring 10 points to DePauw’s 18 points.

As play resumed, the Owls couldn’t generate a commanding response to the Tiger’s attack, and early turnovers allowed DePauw to score and maintain its lead in the second quarter. However, Kenyon continued to battle for rebounds, and proved to be a formidable defensive force, with Hardy, Kiana Mollabashy ’28 and Alyssa Gest ’26 earning steals in the period. Kenyon continued to chip away at the scoring margin, although the Owls were plagued by costly turnovers and ended the quarter down 32-20. 

After the half, Kenyon put together another hard-fought quarter, with flashes of offensive success despite failing to outscore DePauw. The Owls ended the quarter trailing 50-30, but proved to be resilient with their defensive intensity. Both Abby Burdette ’29 and Mollabashy nailed crucial 3-pointers as well. However, the trend of turnovers continued in the third quarter for Kenyon, stunting the mounting attack and allowed the Tigers to extend their lead. Defensively, the Owls forced multiple steals, preventing dangerous attacking momentum from the Tigers. 

Kenyon’s resilience was apparent as the Owls looked to mount a comeback in the final quarter, but the Tigers sustained their run and managed to answer with consistent scores. The Owls finished particularly strong and earned 17 points during the final quarter to match DePauw’s 17 points. The Owls ended the contest with a score of 67-47, shooting 41.7% from the field.

Hoping to rebound on Wednesday and earn their first conference win of the year, the Owls looked to get out to a hot start against Wooster on Wednesday night. The Fighting Scots were the first to strike, however, claiming the first two baskets of the contest. Kenyon clawed its way back thanks to a combined nine points from Mollabashy and Hardy. Burdette nailed a 3-pointer to end the quarter, giving Kenyon the three-point advantage heading into the next 10 minutes of play. 

The Owls’ lead only increased from there as they built on their early momentum, notching another series of layups before the half to secure a 10-point advantage. The third and fourth quarters were much of the same, with the Owls sustaining their decisive point differential, eventually leading to a dominant 72-60 Kenyon victory. This game marks the Owls’ first conference win of the 2025-26 season. Mollabashy led the way for Kenyon, scoring 17 points. Hardy and Burdette were also big contributors, adding 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Kenyon will look to keep this winning spirit alive when it hosts Oberlin College on Saturday. The Owls’ record now sits at 6-11 (1-5 NCAC).