Tigers Rally Late to Defeat Kenyon 67-62 in NCAC Opener

Gambier, OH – Wittenberg Women's Basketball headed to Kenyon College and recorded a 67-62 victory in the first NCAC match up of the 2025-26 season. This was the 82^nd meeting between the two programs, with Wittenberg leading the all-time series record 55-27. The win also extends the Tigers' streak to 11 straight victories against the Owls.

Wittenberg found itself playing from behind for much of the first half, as a slow offensive start and early turnovers allowed Kenyon to build momentum out of the gate. The Tigers managed just seven first quarter points, as Kenyon capitalized on Wittenberg's cold shooting with timely perimeter shooting of their and a late quarter surge to take a 13-7 lead after one.

Despite the early struggles, Wittenberg stayed active on defense with Hope Orders (Grove City, OH / Bishop Ready) sparking the Tigers with multiple steals and a pair of buckets, helping stabilize the offense in the second quarter. Myah Johnson (Jeffersonville, IN / Jeffersonville) and Catherine Buddenberg (Elsmere, KY / Dixie Heights) added needed scoring off the bench, combining for key baskets that kept the Tigers within striking distance.

Wittenberg opened the second half trailing 26-23, but quickly found rhythm behind strong interior play. Karley Moore (Tipp City, OH / Bethel) got things started with a made layup, and after a flurry of offensive rebounds, Molly Mossing (Cedarville, OH / Cedarville) cleaned up the possession with a put back that gave the Tigers a brief lead at 27-26. In the fourth quarter, Wittenberg opened with a layup from Madi Barnett (Cincinnati, OH / Kings) on an assist from Cadence Boyd (Cincinnati, OH / Monroe) to go up 41-36. Wittenberg continued to apply pressure by forcing turnovers and controlling boards.

The Tigers continued to control tempo and after another Boyd-to-Orders connection, the lead grew to 55-48 with 1:34 remaining. Kenyon made a late push but Wittenberg closed things out at the free throw line with Moore, Johnson, and Barnett hitting crucial free throws to seal the win.

Team Leaders

•  Barnett led the team with 17 points.
•  Johnson had 11 points off the bench shooting 5-5 from the field.
•  Moore had 10 points and added 4 rebounds.
•  Mossing led the team with 8 rebounds and added 7 points.

Team Comparison

• Tiger totals for the game included going 23-of-58 from the field, 2-of-17 from three-point range and 19-of-21 from the free-throw line. The Tigers had 31 rebounds, 7 assists, 17 turnovers, 18 points off turnovers, and 36 points in the paint along with 18 bench points.
• The Owls' totals for the game included going 20-of-48 from the field, 7-of-15 from three-point range, and 15-of-19 from the free-throw line. The Owls had 26 rebounds, 13 assists, 22 turnovers, 10 points off turnovers, and 22 points in the paint along with 21 bench points.

The Tigers take on Ohio Northern at home on December 6 at 1:00 PM.

Written By: Luke Thomas