Findlay, Ohio- The University of Findlay women's basketball team delivered a statement victory on Saturday, February 28th, edging Ashland University 74–71 inside Croy Physical Education Center in a thrilling Great Midwest Athletic Conference matchup. With the win, Findlay improves to 15-12 overall and 11-9 in G-MAC play, while Ashland drops to 14-12 (10-10 G-MAC).

The victory is a historic one for the Oilers — their first over Ashland since February 12, 2015, and just the 13th time in program history that Findlay has defeated the Eagles at home.

The Oilers came out sharp offensively, shooting 57 percent in the opening quarter to build a 19-15 lead after one. Senior Alyssa Ziehler established herself early in the paint, scoring eight first-quarter points, while senior Ella Mescher knocked down a three-pointer to spark a 7-0 run midway through the period.

The second quarter featured six lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Findlay continued to attack inside, receiving key contributions from senior Ariyah Douglas and junior MacKenzie Schulz. Schulz scored on back-to-back possessions in the final minute of the half, including a pull-up jumper with 27 seconds remaining, to give the Oilers a narrow 36-35 edge at the break.

Ashland responded in the third quarter, briefly reclaiming the lead before Findlay answered. A Taylor Stanley three-pointer at the 6:26 mark pushed the Oilers back in front, and Ziehler continued to control the paint. The teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 52-52 after a late Ashland basket evened the score.

The final period was a back-and-forth battle. Junior Addisyn Freeman opened the quarter with a layup, and junior Allie Stockton delivered one of the game's biggest shots — a three-pointer with 3:27 remaining that extended the lead to 67-60. Ziehler added a key jumper with just over four minutes left to maintain the momentum.

Ashland refused to fade, trimming the deficit to one after a three-pointer with 15 seconds left made it 71-70. Stockton calmly hit a clutch free throw to push the lead to two, but the Eagles answered with a free throw of their own to make it 72-71 with five seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Stanley found Ziehler streaking down the floor for a fast-break layup at the buzzer, sealing the dramatic 74-71 victory.

Ziehler was dominant, pouring in a season-high 24 points on 12-of-17 shooting while adding seven rebounds. Findlay shot an efficient 54.5 percent (30-of-55) from the field and outscored Ashland 46-26 in the paint. Stockton provided a major lift off the bench with 14 points, including 5-of-7 shooting from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. Schulz added 11 points and four assists, while Stanley chipped in seven points and four assists.

The Oilers also controlled the glass, narrowly outrebounding Ashland 34-33, and recorded 18 assists on 30 made field goals.

The victory snaps a decade-long drought in the rivalry and gives Findlay momentum heading into the G-MAC Tournament. Quarterfinal games begin Tuesday, March 3, when the Oilers travel to Thomas More to face the Saints.