Denison Claims First Title with Victory Over Unbeaten Scranton

In Salem, Virginia, Denison secured the program’s first national championship with a 55-41 win over Scranton. Fourth-year head coach Maureen Hirt led the Big Red to the title. The victory capped a dominant tournament run.

How the game unfolded

The first quarter was tight, with Denison ahead 11-10 after ten minutes. Denison extended the lead to 19-11 by halftime, as Scranton failed to convert a field goal in the second quarter.

Scranton rallied in the third quarter and carried a 34-33 margin into the final period. The fourth quarter belonged to Denison. The Big Red produced a 14-0 surge that decided the contest.

Key moments

• Abby Cooch hit consecutive triples in the fourth to spark the comeback.
• A late wing three by Cooch helped seal the win.
• Anelly Mad-toingué scored on a layup from a Cooch assist during the decisive run.

Standout performances

Abby Cooch led Denison with 18 points. She sank four three-pointers and added nine rebounds and four assists.

Ada Taute recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds for a second double-double this season. Anelly Mad-toingué dominated the glass with 16 rebounds, plus eight points and three blocks.

Defense and team statistics

Denison’s defense limited Scranton to its lowest scoring output of the season. The Royals scored well under their 80.4 season average.

• Scranton made just 14 field goals all game.
• The Royals shot roughly 20.3 percent from the floor.
• Denison outscored Scranton in the paint, 30-10.
• In the fourth quarter, Denison shot 9-of-16 and 4-of-8 from three.

Road to the crown and program impact

Denison won five of six tournament games by double digits. The Big Red also defeated two previously unbeaten teams during the run.

The title is Denison’s first national championship in program history. It is the NCAC’s first national crown since 2013.

People and future outlook

Coach Hirt credited the players and staff for sustained commitment and team culture. She praised the group for buying into a shared vision.

Denison will graduate three seniors: Jess Zittel, Katie Houpt, and Brooke Toigo. The core starting lineup remains composed mainly of underclassmen.

Season summary

• Final record: 30-2, the most wins in program history.
• Coaching staff: Maureen Hirt, Olivia Woolam, Olivia Johnson, Griffin Tullis.
• Key contributors: Abby Cooch, Ada Taute, Anelly Mad-toingué, Violet Mitchell, Adelyn Moore, Molly Dorighi, Brooke Toigo.

Denison claims its first title after a convincing victory over previously unbeaten Scranton. The program now enters the offseason as national champions and a model of defensive excellence.