COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Dominican women's basketball team returned to Alumni Hall after a successful home opener last night against the Davenport Panthers, winning 68–49. Back on their home court today, they fell to the No. 1 ranked Grand Valley State Lakers, 67–49, after four quarters.

From the box score, the Panthers finished shooting 29.1% from the field (16–55). It was a tough day from beyond the arc at just 15% (3–20), but they held strong at the free-throw line, going 14–16 for an 87.5% clip.

ODU totaled 22 points in the paint and added 20 points from the bench, led by Jazmyn Wheeler's 10 points. The Panthers also turned Grand Valley State's turnovers into 14 points, keeping pressure on the nation's top-ranked team throughout key stretches.

The Panthers didn't back down early despite trailing 23–9 after the first quarter while shooting 26.7% from the field. In the second quarter, ODU responded by outscoring the Lakers 19–12, shooting 38.9% compared to GVSU's 17.6%. The Panthers headed into halftime trailing just 35–28.

In the second half, however, the Lakers found their rhythm, shooting 57.1% in the third quarter while ODU dropped to 33.3% (4–12) and went scoreless from three. GVSU extended its largest lead to 22 points in the fourth. The Panthers struggled from the field late (1–10) but continued their consistency at the line, finishing 7–9 in the final period.

Panther leaders included senior Sarah Ochs, who posted a team-high 16 points on 6–14 shooting and 2–3 from three. Wheeler added 10 points off the bench along with five rebounds and a steal. Freshman Lucy Porter pulled down six rebounds and played tough interior defense.

The loss marks Ohio Dominican's first of the season. The Panthers now turn their attention to next week's non-conference matchup at Clarion, scheduled for a 5:30 PM tipoff inside Waldo S. Tippin Gymnasium on Thursday.