Last Wednesday, Feb. 7, the women’s basketball team encountered a formidable foe as they took on Oberlin College in the familiar confines of Timken Gymnasium. Coming off a decisive victory against Kenyon on Senior Day, the Scots hoped to continue their streak by getting one over on the Yeomen.
This match marked the first round of the inaugural Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, an award that recognizes student-athletes with a GPA of 3.5 or above for success both on the court and in the classroom. At halftime, members from the men’s basketball, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s golf, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, volleyball, track and field, cross country and swim and dive teams were celebrated; the remaining athletes were acknowledged at the men’s basketball fixture shortly after.
The Scots began strong, amassing a 24-23 point lead before the half. The team suffered a 14-8 deficit in the first quarter that they successfully dismantled in the second quarter by dominating the floor with a tally of 16-9 points scored.
Melissa Burtscher ’24 attributed the team’s success to maneuvers developed in practices, saying “our coaches hammered home running sets and plays to get the ball in the hands of specific players in specific spots on the court. We also work on game-like scenarios in practice that allow us to feel comfortable and know what to do in the game. I think we took what they were telling us and attempted to accomplish it.”
Coming out of the half, Wooster found themselves in a scoring drought that saw the team convert just one out of 11 field goal attempts in the third quarter. Oberlin seized this opportunity to the fullest as they embarked on a 20 point run to place themselves well ahead of the struggling home team. Wooster eventually found their footing, laying 13 points on the Yeomen in the game’s final two minutes to win the quarter 13-11.
Despite the result, Wooster put forth a vigorous effort with a number of highlight performances. Ace Sturdivant ’27 led the charge as she amassed the second 20-point game of her collegiate career. Sturdivant established a season-high seven field goals, two of which were launched from the three-point line and accounted for six of her overall tally. She also hit four out of five attempts from the free throw line. Sturdivant also led the Scots in rebounds with an impressive eight boards from the defensive end.
Ella Biondi ’26 also delivered a strong performance with a compelling 10 points and 6 rebounds. Alyssa Chritz ’24 netted a solid 5 points in the second quarter, while Burtscher sank a stunning three-point attempt before the half. Biondi attributed the team’s offensive success to their ability to communicate effectively, explaining, “the communication levels we have this year is insanely good and I’m proud we each have a high level of trust and execution of offense.”
She also cited the camaraderie that the team nurtured throughout the season as a prevalent aspect of their culture.“The team’s work ethic and camaraderie have come a long way since the start of the season,” Biondi said. “I can confidently say that we have each other’s backs and always push for the best from one another. All of us share the same goals and aspirations; everything that we have achieved this season is something we are all proud of. We will always cheer through the end, whistle to whistle and I’m proud of the connections I’ve made this season.”
The Fighting Scots will travel to Greencastle, Indiana on Feb. 17 to take on the Depauw Tigers in their final regular season match of the year.
