Women’s Basketball Defeated by (RV) IWU

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University women's basketball team (5-11, 1-5 CL) hosted (RV) Indiana Wesleyan University (8-7, 3-3 CL) on Wednesday, January 7 at Ariel Arena. 

In the first quarter, IWU started off fast and would take the lead heading into the second quarter with a score of 27-8. MVNU pushed back in the second quarter with a made layup by Kylie Leibacher bringing the score to 34-15 with IWU still on top. IWU held its lead and entered the break ahead with a score of 46-21. 

In the third quarter, IWU extended its lead to 61-24 with a three-pointer by Ellie Kelleher. Leibacher's layup would put the score at 64-32, going into the fourth quarter. A jump shot from Anna Swisshelm would bring the score late in the fourth quarter to 81-42. Indiana Wesleyan would go on to win 84-44. 

As a team, MVNU shot 34.8% from the field and struggled from deep, going 1-18 from beyond the arc. 25 turnovers hurt the Lady Cougars, as those turned into 27 points for the Wildcats. IWU shot 40.6% from the field and hit 11 threes at a 34.4% clip. 

Swisshelm led MVNU with 19 points and had four rebounds and one assist. Leibacher scored 13 points and had two rebounds and two assists. 

What's Next 

MVNU will next travel to Bethel University on Saturday, January 10. Tip-off will start at 1:00 p.m. in Mishawaka, Indiana. 

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,100 students from 33 states and 26 foreign countries.