DELAWARE, Ohio – The 13th/12th-ranked Ohio Wesleyan women's basketball team traveled to Wittenberg on Saturday to open a 13-game NCAC slate. The Battling Bishops carried a two-point advantage over the Tigers into the fourth quarter, then surged ahead in the final period of play to extend their win streak to 11 and earn their second conference victory, 76-67. Senior Kendall Dieringer sparked the Bishops with a career-high 18 points off the bench.

With the win, OWU improves to 12-1 overall, and 3-0 in NCAC competition. Wittenberg falls to 8-6, and 1-2 in conference play. 

The Red and Black struggled to find a rhythm early, as Wittenberg jumped out to a 10-4 lead just three minutes into the game. However, the red-hot Bishops gained momentum shortly after, going on a 16-7 run to end the first quarter behind eight points from Kendall Dieringer. 

The Bishops carried their momentum into the second quarter, but Wittenberg continued to fight back. With just 1:43 remaining before halftime, Alyssa Griner drained a three to extend the lead to seven, the largest lead by either side up to this point. However, the Tigers clawed back, scoring four unanswered points and OWU took a 40-37 lead into the break.

Following the intermission, both sides continued to battle, and found themselves knotted at 50 with just under four minutes to play in the quarter. Moments later, Maddie Ebbert knocked down a free throw to give the Red and Black a 56-54 lead heading into the fourth quarter. 

OWU opened the final period with a 14-4 run, and the Bishops led 70-58 with 2:45 left on the clock. This proved to be too much for the Tigers, as they were unable to get back within striking distance, and the Bishops secured the victory by a final score of 76-67. 

THE NUMBERS
Macy Miller recorded her 11th double-double, pouring in 18 points and 16 rebounds with four steals, one block, and one assist. She now sits just 17 points away from the 1000-point mark for her career.

Kendall Dieringer continued to shine, scoring a career-high 18 points, going 6-of-10 from the field and knocking down a team-high four triples. She also added four assists and four rebounds.

Alyssa Griner totaled 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Maddie Ebbert recorded 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. 

Mia Guscoff finished with six points, two assists, and one rebound.

Carly Lehman scored four points and tacked on two assists.

Nora Johns and Sophia Roush each contributed two points and two rebounds. 

Katie Neuhart grabbed six rebounds in the contest. 

UP NEXT
The Battling Bishops will be back at Branch Rickey Arena on Wednesday as they continue NCAC play against Kenyon at 7 p.m.