WHEELING, WV - The Ohio Dominican women's basketball team faced a tough challenge in the fourth game of the 2024-25 season, traveling to West Virginia to take on the West Liberty Hilltoppers. Despite a career performance from sophomore forward Jenna Shackleford, the Panthers came up just short, falling 91-85 in a game defined by wild scoring swings and late-game drama. 

The first quarter was a close contest, with both teams showing early offensive rhythm. Ohio Dominican shot an efficient 46.7% from the field (7-of-15), but West Liberty's defensive intensity and timely shooting allowed them to hold a narrow 19-16 lead at the end of the period. The Hilltoppers, shooting 42.1% in the quarter, capitalized on key possessions to stay slightly ahead. 

The Panthers roared to life in the second quarter, putting together their most dominant stretch of the game. Shooting a scorching 80% from the field (8-of-10) and an aggressive 10-of-15 from the free throw line, Ohio Dominican poured in 26 points while limiting West Liberty to just 14. At halftime, the Panthers held a commanding 42-33 lead. 

The third quarter, however, belonged to West Liberty. The Hilltoppers got hot, unleashing a 35-point explosion. Their three-point shooting (53.9%) overwhelmed the Panthers, while their defense clamped down, holding Ohio Dominican to just 15 points in the frame. The dramatic turnaround left the Hilltoppers ahead 68-57 heading into the fourth quarter. 

The final quarter was nothing short of a thriller, with Ohio Dominican refusing to go down quietly. The Panthers tallied 28 points in the period, led by clutch plays from Shackleford and guard Brynn Mullet. Despite their efforts, West Liberty's composure at the free throw line (78.6% in the quarter) proved pivotal. The Hilltoppers held off Ohio Dominican's late surge, securing the 91-85 victory in a nail-biter.

Key Leaders

Jenna Shackleford delivered a career night for the Panthers, dominating in the paint and on the boards. The sophomore forward finished with an incredible double-double, tallying 37 points on 13-of-20 shooting and converting 11-of-15 free throws. She also pulled down 12 rebounds in a relentless effort on both ends of the court. 

Guard Brynn Mullet contributed 16 points, going 5-of-16 from the field and 4-of-5 at the line. She added eight rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal, showcasing her all-around game. Sarah Ochs provided a spark with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, giving the Panthers another reliable scoring option. 

Ohio Dominican dominated inside, scoring 42 points in the paint and adding 18 points on fast breaks. They also capitalized on turnovers, converting them into 14 points. The game was tightly contested throughout, featuring six ties and four lead changes, but the Panthers ultimately fell short. 

Up Next

The Panthers, now eager to bounce back, will hit the road again for an exhibition matchup against Cleveland State at the Wolstein Center on Saturday at 3:30 PM.