Oberlin, Ohio – Tipping off their home season after a slew of strenuous road tests, the Oberlin College women's basketball team secured a victory at home, taking down Penn State- Behrend on Saturday afternoon. Coming down to the wire, a three-pointer from
Lily Najmulski in the last two minutes pushed the Crimson and Gold over the top, moving the home team to an even 3-3 on the season.
The hardwood classic featured several standout players, led by
Camille Zinaich who scored a team-high 22 points, converting 8-of-15 from the field and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe. The senior added another five rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Rookie
Gabby Peña-Hilzen had the biggest game of her career thus far, notching ten points and seven rebounds.
Ellie Pollock-Ballard showcased her shooting range while shooting 3-or-4 from behind the arch
Krystal Montas dominated the boards, pulling down 12 rebounds, including 5 offensive rebounds.
Angela Kumler made a significant impact defensively with four steals and two blocks, while also dishing out five assists and pulling in seven rebounds.
The Lions came out quickly in the game, hitting a three to open the scoring.
Anora Lee responded with consecutive buckets, keeping Oberlin competitive in the early minutes. Behrend capitalized on turnovers with Rachel Majewski and Madilyn Boyer contributing key points, while the Crimson and Gold struggled with eight turnovers. Despite Oberlin's efforts, including a late jumper from
Katherine Csiszar, PSU-B maintained a 21-17 lead into the break.
Oberlin reset their attack after a slow start, outscoring the Lions 19-14. Zinaich was particularly effective, contributing multiple layups and free throws, including consecutive points that brought Oberlin from a 21-23 deficit to a 28-23 lead. Oberlin's defensive work was notable, with the team recording several steals and rebounds, which helped maintain their lead. Despite a late surge by PSU-B, Oberlin held a two-point, 35-33, advantage at the half.
The scoring leaned on the side of the Lions in the third quarter, as the Yeowomen saw their first-half scoring troubles come to light again. Although a three-pointer from Pollock-Ballard gave Oberlin some momentum, PSU-B quickly tied the game with two free throws. Down by six, Peña-Hilzen hit a three-pointer to cut the lead in half, but the Lions responded with a 5-0 run to end the quarter.
With just 15 minutes left to retake their lead, Oberlin got to work right away with nine-straight points to come back within two. Exchanging buckets, it wasn't until Najmulski drilled a trey at the 2:00 mark that the Yeowomen final regained their lead. Up 68-67, the Crimson and Gold held the Lions off the board for the remaining two minutes to secure a win in Philips Gym.
Looking to continue their winning ways, Oberlin heads north to take on another MIAA opponent. The Tuesday, November 26 matchup will see the Yeowomen visit the Alma Scots for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
Fans can watch all the home matches
live online. Home contests can be accessed on a TV through the official
Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.