AMHERST, N.Y. — D'Youville (7-10, 4-5 ECC) fell to Daemen (16-2, 9-0 ECC), 63-45, at Lumsden Gymnasium. Despite a strong rebounding effort with a 42-27 advantage, D'Youville was undone by 26 turnovers, leading to 20 points for the Wildcats. 

The game commenced with the Wildcats taking an early lead, thanks to a jumper just 43 seconds in. D'Youville responded with Ava Pearson's (Colonie, N.Y. / Colonie) three-pointer at 8:00, assisted by Molly O'Toole (Rochester, N.Y. / Aquinas Institute), to narrow the gap. Despite the Wildcats' advantage in fast-break points, D'Youville stayed competitive through efficient passing, as evidenced by their four assists on five field goals.

D'Youville's Megan Fedor (Elmira, N.Y. / Elmira) contributed by securing crucial rebounds and adding two free throws at 2:08, bringing them within striking distance. The quarter concluded with Samantha Ruhlman's (Warren, Pa. / Warren Area) three-pointer at the buzzer, leaving D'Youville trailing by just two points, 16–14, at the end of the first.

D'Youville began the second quarter with a notable exchange, as Samantha Ruhlman connected on a three-pointer at 9:24 with an assist from Xanthippi Karatasiou (Katerini, Greece / Kontariotissa), narrowing the gap against the Wildcats. Despite a series of turnovers, D'Youville managed to remain competitive, highlighted by Molly O'Toole's late three-pointer with just two seconds remaining, assisted by Karatasiou, to close the quarter. The quarter ended with the Wildcats leading 34-29.

D'Youville found themselves trailing early in the third quarter, struggling to close the gap as the Wildcats capitalized on turnovers and fast breaks. Despite a strong defensive rebound from Megan Fedor and a block by Xanthippi Karatasiou, D'Youville faced a scoring drought, allowing the Wildcats to extend their lead to 44–31. However, Samantha Ruhlman sparked a late comeback effort with a three-pointer at 5:09, followed by a successful defensive stand that helped D'Youville reduce the deficit to 49–41. The quarter ended with D'Youville still trailing, as the Wildcats maintained a 49–41 advantage.

D'Youville faced challenges in the fourth quarter, beginning with a strong defensive effort as Megan Fedor blocked a layup at 9:50. Despite this defensive highlight, turnovers plagued D'Youville, resulting in nine throughout the quarter. Alyssa Neumann (Silverdale, Wash. / Central Kitsap) scored all four of D'Youville's points in the final quarter with a layup at 5:04 and two free throws at 3:15. However, the Wildcats capitalized on D'Youville's turnovers to extend their lead. The game concluded with the Wildcats securing a 63–45 victory.

Samantha Ruhlman led the team with 11 points, converting 3 of 4 attempts from beyond the arc. Allie Hall (Rochester, N.Y. / Bishop Kearney) added 10 points, going 5-for-9 from the field, and collected six rebounds. Molly O'Toole recorded eight rebounds and contributed six points, including two 3-pointers. Megan Fedor provided defensive support with seven rebounds and one block.

Up next for D'Youville is a matchup against Roberts Wesleyan University on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. at their home venue in Buffalo, New York.