The Yeowomen were fired up for their last home game but were unable to come away with a victory. Despite playing hard from start to finish, Oberlin fell 94-77 to Denison, lowering their record to 4-20. Denison earned their 19th win on the season, as they prepared for the upcoming playoffs.

Oberlin struggled in the first half, turning the ball over 12 times, which lead to three straight Denison buckets. Denison went on an 11-0 run, taking a comfortable lead. Denison junior Lauren Vashaw was injured with 18:20 remaining in the first half, but returned to play.

About midway through the first half, the Yeowomen suddenly built some momentum with crisp three-point shooting by first-year Kira Rivera, followed by three consecutive two-point baskets by junior Jessica Oram, first-year Alyssa Clark and senior Meg Reitz.

Oberlin then trailed 26-33 with eight minutes remaining in the first half when Reitz nailed a three-pointer, pulling Oberlin within four points at 29-33.

The Yeowomen eventually cut the score to 32-37 Denison, thanks to another three-point stroke from Rivera with five minutes remaining in the half. Kristen Sheffield and Sarah Perrine of Denison added a few more baskets before halftime, making the score 49-38.

In the second quarter with 17:51 remaining in the game, Coach Champion was charged with a technical foul for arguing some of the numerous fouls called on the Yeowomen by the refs. Coach Champion wasn’t the only one frustrated as Oberlin’s fans showed their displeasure.

Three of Denison’s players scored in double figures. Kristen Sheffield, Carolyn Simpson, and Sarah Perrine also combined to score 50 points. Oberlin was shooting the ball well with a 55.6 percentage from the arc, and 81.8 in free throw shooting.

Oberlin also had three players in double figures: Oram’s 24 points, followed by Alyssa Clark with 23 points and Rivera with 19 points. Captain Reitz added nine points and two rebounds as she played her last game at Phillips Gymnasium.

Reitz was also honored at half time for receiving five impressive awards: first-team All-Conference, first-team All-Region, second-team All-American, All-Tournament team and Team Attacker of the year.

“I actually didn’t notice for a long time, but when Coach Champion took me and Jessie out with one minute remaining, I got really emotional about it,” said senior Meg Reitz. “It was a little weird and hard to focus in the second half because everybody was thinking about my field hockey success when I was trying to play a basketball game” [Reitz laughs].

“I was really proud of how we shot the ball tonight: 54 percent!” said Coach Champion. “We played a team that starts five juniors, and that’s second in the league, and we played them hard. I am extremely proud of this team!” said Champion.

“Most of all, I just wanted to come out and play for Meg. It was her last game on her home court,” said first-year Kira Rivera. “Everybody knew what they had to do, and they did that, but Denison came out with more than us.”

“I was really sad, but at the same time Meg’s leadership really showed on the court,” said junior Jessie Oram. “I think offensively it was a really good night for us, we had our best offensive night as a team.”

Oberlin’s record stands at 4-20 as they fight to get their third win in conference, with a match up Saturday at 1:00 p.m. against the Earlham Quakers.