DELAWARE, OH – Ohio Wesleyan (25-3) secured a 79-65 victory over Washington & Jefferson (24-5) in the second round of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament on Saturday night.
The No. 16/18-nationally ranked Battling Bishops will now take on No. 7/10 Baldwin Wallace (28-1). The date, time and location of the third-round matchup will be released once all second-round games are completed.
OHIO WESLEYAN (25-3) 79, WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON (24-5) 65
- Ohio Wesleyan came out strong in the opening quarter, setting the tone early with a fast-paced offense and stifling defense. The Battling Bishops opened the game with a three-pointer from fifth-year guard Lauren Denison (Pataskala, OH/Watkins Memorial), followed by a series of mid-range jumpers from sophomore post Macy Miller (Marysville, OH/Fairbanks) and fifth-year guard Kasey Schipfer (Mechanicsburg, OH/Mechanicsburg) to extend their lead (7-0). The Presidents struggled to find their rhythm early but kept themselves in the game with a three-pointer from Stellanie Loutsion and a layup from Bryn Bezjak. W&J cut into the deficit late in the quarter with a strong push, including a three-pointer from Meghan Dryburgh and a pair of free throws from Riley Derubbo. Despite their efforts, OWU maintained control, closing the quarter with a 23-19 advantage.
- In the second quarter, Ohio Wesleyan continued its aggressive play. The Bishops' defensive pressure disrupted W&J’s rhythm, leading to key stops and fast-break opportunities. Offensively, balanced scoring kept OWU in front, with key contributions from junior guard Mia Guscoff (Canton, OH/Massillon Perry), who hit back-to-back triples and provided a spark to the Bishops’ offense. The Bishops remained in control heading into halftime (43-27).
- In the third quarter, Washington & Jefferson began to chip away at Ohio Wesleyan’s lead. They applied more defensive pressure, forcing a few turnovers and getting key stops. Derubbo played a big role in W&J's efforts to reduce the deficit, knocking down shots and creating opportunities for the Presidents. Despite the W&J’s surge, OWU’s composure remained strong thanks to Homan, Miller and Schipfer, who provided key plays, scoring and securing crucial rebounds to keep the Bishops’ c lead steady. Heading into the final quarter, Ohio Wesleyan still held a firm advantage, fending off W&J’s attempts to close the gap (60-44).
- In the fourth quarter, Schipfer led the offense, scoring consistently, while Miller contributed with big rebounds. Despite the Presidents’ efforts to shrink the Bishops’ lead once again, OWU’s defense remained strong, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities. Homan’s clutch free throws in the final minute sealed the victory as she went 7-for-8 from the charity stripe.
- Schipfer led all scorers with 33 points, shooting 13-for-25 from the floor and 6-for-8 from the line, and she secured six rebounds, four assists, and four steals in the win. The Battling Bishops were also propelled by Homan, who registered 18 points, and Miller, who finished with 15. Homan also finished the game with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Miller pulled down 12 rebounds, dished out four helpers, grabbed four steals, and blocked six shots.
- Ohio Wesleyan now owns a 10-8 (.555) record in the NCAA tourney.