By Athletic Communications Assistant Alex McKeon
ALLIANCE, Ohio – Baldwin Wallace University women's basketball opened up their OAC title defense with a 93-82 victory over the University of Mount Union on Friday night. The win marked the program's sixth season opening victory in a row.
The Yellow Jackets (1-0, 1-0 OAC) improved their all-time record against the Purple Raiders (0-1, 0-1 OAC) to 52-43 overall. The victory also continued the winning streak carried over from last season's abrupt ending, making it 15 wins in a row for BW dating back to the first on January 25, 2020 against Marietta College.
Senior Gabby Garrett (Columbus/Bishop Watterson) recorded a career high 22 points, blowing past her previous high of 16 set in a win against Wilmington College on January 12, 2019. Junior Lilly Edwards (Dublin/Coffman) matched her career high with 23 points, tying Mount Union's Elena Rauhe to lead all scorers. Freshman Kira Philpot (Stow/Stow-Munroe Falls) shined in her collegiate debut, notching eight points and seven rebounds off the bench.
The Purple Raiders jumped out to an early 9-4 lead, but the Yellow Jackets maintained their composure, sticking with Mount Union for the rest of the quarter and finishing it down 24-17. Edwards came out of the gate quickly with seven of the first 17 points, ultimately finishing the half a perfect six-for-six from the field. BW rode the positive momentum into the second quarter, delivering an offensive explosion and outscoring the Purple Raiders 29-15, earning a seven-point edge at halftime. The Yellow Jackets ended the half on a 7-0 run, with Megan Scheibelhut (Avon Lake/Elyria Catholic) delivering a buzzer-beating layup to secure the strong finish.
The good vibes continued for the Yellow Jackets, who imposed their will in the third quarter. Five different players scored the first 12 points, including Garrett who notched four of those 12. Garrett recorded 18 of her 22 points in the second half, showing poise under pressure and veteran leadership. BW continued to extend their lead and by the end of the quarter lead 67-54.
However, the Purple Raiders would not go away, starting the fourth quarter on a 16-7 run and erasing what was once a 15-point lead to tie it at 76-76. However, Garrett took over at the free throw line, delivering a clutch showing by hitting 13 of 14 and falling just shy of the single game program record of 14, allowing the Yellow Jackets pull away for the victory. Garrett scored ten of the final 17 points as the Yellow Jackets outscored Mount Union 17-6 to end the game.
The Yellow Jackets will return to action on Saturday, January 23 with round two against the Purple Raiders, opening their home schedule at Ursprung Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m.
