Ashland, Ohio- The University of Findlay women's basketball team delivered a gritty road performance Monday night, Jan. 5, at Kates Gymnasium, but despite a strong third-quarter surge, the Oilers came up just short in a 77-71 setback to Ashland. The game featured nine lead changes and seven ties as both teams traded momentum throughout, before Ashland closed strong in the final minutes. The loss marked Findlay's 16th consecutive setback against the Eagles, moving the Oilers to 5-7 overall and 1-4 in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play. Ashland improved to 7-5 on the year and evened out to 3-3 in conference action.

Findlay came out with energy and confidence, striking first and building an early lead behind strong inside play from senior Alyssa Ziehler and junior Allie Stockton. The Oilers controlled the paint and crashed the boards, using second-chance opportunities to fuel an 8-0 run that gave them a six-point cushion. Ashland answered with a pair of threes to keep it close, but Findlay held firm and took a 22-19 lead after the first quarter.

The second quarter belonged to Ashland. The Eagles caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down five threes and turning a tight game into a halftime advantage. A 7-0 run midway through the period swung momentum, and Findlay struggled to find rhythm as turnovers led to easy points for the home team. By the break, the Oilers trailed 42-35.

Findlay responded in the third with its best basketball of the night. Junior MacKenzie Schulz sparked the rally with back-to-back threes, and Ziehler continued to battle inside as the Oilers erased the deficit. A 10-0 run flipped the scoreboard, and Stockton's three-point play pushed the lead to six. The Oilers outworked Ashland on the glass and attacked the rim, heading into the fourth quarter with a 58-55 lead and all the momentum.

The final frame was a rollercoaster. Stockton's jumper gave Findlay a brief edge, but Ashland countered with a 9-0 run fueled by turnovers and transition baskets. Ziehler tied the game at 71-71 with just over two minutes left, setting up a tense finish. But Ashland had the last word, closing on a 6-0 spurt that included clutch free throws and a key layup to seal the win. 

Findlay shot 47.6% from the field (30-of-63) and 33.3% from three (5-of-15), while Ashland countered with 50% shooting (29-58) and an impressive 47.6% from deep (10-of-21). Both teams were even at the line, hitting 60% of free throws. The Oilers dominated the paint with 46 points inside compared to Ashland's 28 and added 16 second-chance points thanks to 40 rebounds (12 offensive). However, turnovers proved costly, Findlay gave up 19 points off miscues while scoring just seven off Ashland's.

Ziehler led the way with 19 points, nine rebounds,including six on the offensive glass, and a career-high five assists. Stockton added a career-high 15 points and eight boards, while Schulz chipped in 14 points with four triples. Addisyn Freeman contributed eight points and nine rebounds in a strong effort on both ends.

The Oilers hit the road again Thursday, Jan. 8, traveling to Tiffin for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff.