Oberlin, Ohio - Returning to Philips for another Saturday tip-off, the Oberlin College women's basketball team took on North Coast rival Wittenberg. Despite outshooting the Tigers in both second-half periods, Wittenberg secured the 61-52 victory.
Finishing as the Crimson and Gold's top scorer for the second straight game, Gabby Peña-Hilzen registered 14 points as well as five rebounds and a steal.
Lily Najmulski added 11 points while
Ellie Pollock-Ballard and
Angela Kumler posted 10 points apiece.
On the defensive end, Krystal Montas added seven rebounds while Pollok-Ballard and Kumler combined for 10 boards. A consistent defensive threat, Kumler also added five steals to the stat sheet.
Pollock-Ballard sunk a shot from behind the arc on the opening possession to launch scoring action for Oberlin. Back-to-back fastbreak layups from Najmulski and Kumler extended the Yeowomen's lead to five. A triple from Wittenberg tied the match at 7-7 as the Tigers slowly pulled away during the remainder of the opening period.
Wittenberg dished out their strongest quarter of the afternoon in the second, making it difficult for Oberlin to get on the board and closing the period with a 38-21 edge. Peña-Hilzen and Pollock-Ballard each notched a three-pointer in the third to help close the gap for Oberlin. Outshooting the Tigers 15-13, the Crimson and Gold were not ready to be counted out leading into the final session.
Following a Wittenberg jumper, Oberlin recorded a 7-0 run off a triple and layup from Najmulski and a layup from Kumler. The Crimson and Gold added the final four points of the match cutting the margin to nine. Despite outshooting the Tigers by six in the fourth frame, Wittenberg secured the conference victory.
Oberlin will welcome John Carroll to the North Coast on Wednesday, January 21, in Philips. Evening tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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