This past Wednesday, the women’s basketball team traveled to Wooster, Ohio to tip off in conference play against The College of Wooster Fighting Scots.
The Yeowomen were extremely effective, bringing home a 64–52 victory.
After receiving well-deserved NCAC Athlete of the Week honors for her stellar performance against Alma College, fourth-year forward Camille Zinaich further proved why she is considered one of the best players in the conference. Zinaich recorded her third double-double of the year against the Fighting Scots while registering a team high of 16 points along with 11 rebounds.
However, Zinaich was not the only bright spot for the Yeowomen. Third-year guard Lily Najmulski delivered big time, scoring 11 points with three 3-pointers. Third-year forward Angela Kumler also stood out as a key player for the team with five rebounds, three blocks, and four steals.
Though the Yeowomen ultimately prevailed, the game was a hard-fought contest. Wooster came out of the gate hot, gaining a 9–2 lead in the beginning of the first quarter. A crucial steal from Kumler developed into a layup from third-year forward Katherine Csiszar that shifted the momentum of the game in Oberlin’s favor.
The Yeowomen started clicking soon after. Csiszar notched another score from the paint, followed quickly by a layup from second-year center Krystal Montas.
Oberlin continued rolling into halftime, with contributions from across the roster. Third-year forward Ellie Pollock-Ballard scored a clutch 3-pointer at the four minute mark in the second quarter to put the Yeowomen up 24–19. The Fighting Scots rallied back and set the score at 28–28 going into halftime.
The Crimson and Gold came out of the break firing on all cylinders. The offense cranked it up a notch and went on a 15–0 run, largely supported by back-to-back threes from Najmulski.
Going into the fourth quarter, Oberlin held an 11 point lead over Wooster. A block from Kumler gave the Yeowomen a key turnover that allowed the team to further its lead. Csiszar capitalized on the defensive play and scored a layup, increasing the lead to 14. Although Wooster fought to the end, Oberlin continued its strong performance and ultimately secured the win.
“We were all very excited for our first conference game, and I’m really glad we came out of it with a win,” said Csiszar in an email to the Review. “We started [off] a little rocky, but everyone who stepped on the court contributed to that win. We are excited to put our heads down and work hard for a top four finish in our conference this year!”
The Yeoweomen currently sit tied atop the NCAC conference standings with three other programs.
“I am really pleased by how we have come together as a team this season,” Pollock-Ballard said. “We have shown a tremendous amount of growth to this point and I look forward to our continued growth. We are excited to show everyone the culture and standard of our program.”
The Yeowomen return to action this Saturday at home against Kalamazoo College.
