DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University women's basketball team opened up their season with a win at home on Monday night, defeating Otterbein 72-62. It was the first career win for new head coach Cody Hartzler. It also marked the OWU debuts for transfers Maddie Ebbert and Grace Heliger, as well as freshman Bella Brader.

OWU starts the season 1-0. Otterbein falls to 1-1. 

The first quarter was a close one as the two sides traded buckets, ending with Otterbein holding a slim lead at 16-15. The Red and Black started to creep ahead in the second quarter, beginning with an 11-2 run in the early going, shooting 5-of-5 within the 3:11 timespan. Nora Johns and Mia Guscoff were the catalysts, scoring a combined seven of the 11 points. This put OWU ahead by six, but that number would dwindle back down to two before the half, only leading 36-34.

The Bishops put together another run to start the second half, this time scoring 13 and holding the Cardinals to just two in the first 4:19 of the third quarter. This gave Ohio Wesleyan a 13-point advantage early in the second half which would become eight entering the final 10 minutes, 56-48 for the hosts. The Red and Black closed the game strong, outscoring Otterbein 16-14 in the fourth quarter to walk away with a 10-point victory, 72-62.

THE NUMBERS
Macy Miller led all scorers with 16 points, completing a double-double with 11 rebounds. She also had three assists, one block, and one steal.

Alyssa Griner scored 13 points and made one steal.

Nora Johns had a career night, notching a career-high 10 points alongside a career-high eight rebounds and a career-high six assists. She added one block and one steal as well.

Maddie Ebbert made quite the OWU debut, nearly dropping a double-double with nine points and a career-high 14 rebounds. The junior transfer from Baldwin Wallace also had an assist.

Kendall Dieringer recorded a career-high eight points with three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

Mia Guscoff scored six points and brought down two rebounds.

Bella Brader bagged four points and two assists in her collegiate debut.

UP NEXT
The Bishops set off on their first road trip of the season this weekend, heading to the Calvin/Hope Classic. OWU will face Calvin on Friday at 7:30 p.m. followed by Hope on Saturday at 2 p.m.