The Hillsdale women’s basketball team celebrates after beating Ashland University for the first time since 2014
Courtesy | Hillsdale Athletic Department

After a 75–49 loss at Findlay University Jan. 22, the Chargers defeated four-time reigning Great Midwest Athletic Conference champions Ashland University 53–52 Jan. 24 for the first time since 2014.

“That was a tough win versus a very good team,” head coach Brianna Brennan said.

Hillsdale’s victory over Ashland snapped the Eagles’ six-game win streak and improved the Chargers’ record to 7–0 at home.

“After losing our prior two games, we put together a really elite and competitive practice the day before the Ashland game,” Brennan said. “I was really proud of how our team showed up ready to move forward and get back to our standards.”

Junior forward Savannah Smith scored a career-high 27 points and added a career-high 12 rebounds to lead the Chargers at both ends of the floor. 

“I knew I was going to have a good game in the beginning of the second half when I realized Ashland hadn’t adjusted their defense from the first half to stop us,” Smith said. “My teammates helped me to get good looks by continuously making good reads when passing the ball to me.”

Despite jumping out to an early 9-point lead in the first quarter, Hillsdale trailed the Eagles 28–26 at halftime. The Chargers did not regain the lead until senior guard Emma Ruhlman made a 3-pointer to put Hillsdale ahead 51–49 with 2:53 remaining in the game.

“As soon as I shot it, I knew it was going in,” Ruhlman said. “That was my only one of the game, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was awesome.”

Sophomore center Ellie Bruce scored a layup with 2:02 remaining, putting the Chargers up by four. Ashland answered with a 3-pointer to cut the lead to one, and after Hillsdale failed to score on their final possession, the Eagles missed two free throws that would have won or extended the game.

Junior guard Annalise Pietrzyk scored 13 points for the Chargers, and sophomore guard Emilia Sularski contributed 6 points. Ruhlman added eight rebounds. 

The Chargers held Ashland to 23% shooting in the fourth quarter and only 8 points.

“I am really proud of how hard our girls fought and how locked in we were on defense,” Brennan said. “It will be crucial that we maintain that defensive intensity as we head on the road for two away games this week.” 

With a loss to Findlay and a win against Ashland, the Chargers’ record moved to 9–7 overall and 5–5 in conference play.

“This performance gives me confidence that we can beat any of the top teams that come our way,” Smith said. “By beating Ashland, we proved to ourselves and everyone else that we are a top team and we can compete with the best.” 

Hillsdale plays at Ursuline College Jan. 29 and at Walsh University Jan. 31. The Chargers will return home to play Tiffin University Feb. 5.  

“Ashland is a powerhouse in women’s basketball, so to beat them just goes to show we can hang with the best,” Ruhlman said. “We have to use this win to carry us into next week and get two road wins against Ursuline and Walsh.”