Strong 2nd half Defense Fuels Hawks Over Harriers

The Hocking College women's basketball team turned a tight first half into a dominant second-half performance, defeating Miami Hamilton 79–55 to improve to 17–5 on the season. "I felt like our defense in the second half was strong. We contained better and avoided reaching, which got us in a little bit of trouble in the first half", stated Coach Brown.

Hocking started the game with its usual lineup of Lilly Weaver, Gianna Boyce, Carmyn Woods, Hawa Ba, and Hazely Wagner, but the Hawks faced a battle early. After leading by just two at the break, 38–36, Hocking came out of halftime with renewed intensity, outscoring Miami Hamilton 21–8 in the third quarter to seize control of the game for good.

Lilly Weaver led the Hawks with 16 points while stuffing the stat sheet with five rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Weaver also made program history, becoming Hocking's all-time leader in career assists with 190, breaking the previous record of 187.

Hazely Wagner delivered a standout two-way performance, finishing with 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, and a game-high seven steals. Carmyn Woods added 12 points and seven rebounds, along with a steal and two blocks, and set a new single-season program record with 129 field goals made, surpassing the former mark of 127.

Hocking controlled the boards throughout the second half, led by Hawa Ba's dominant 14-rebound effort to go along with four points, a steal, and two blocks. Tori Rose chipped in four points, eight rebounds, an assist, and a steal, while Aubriona Benjamin provided a strong spark off the bench with 11 points, six assists, two rebounds, and a steal. Additional contributions came from Aubree Carroll with six points and two rebounds, Aliyah Brock with six points and two steals, Emani Tynes with solid defensive play, and Gianna Boyce with three points, a rebound, and an assist.

With a strong third quarter setting the tone, Hocking cruised through the final period to secure the 24-point victory.