COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU women's basketball welcomed Tennessee Wesleyan University to the Moore Fitness Center on Saturday afternoon for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup. The Rams narrowly trailed in the first and second periods but could not overcome the Bulldog's momentum to fall 78-55. 

Game Recap: Mariah Leinbach opened the game with two free throws and a three-pointer, giving CIU an early 5-0 lead before Tennessee Wesleyan got on the board. The Rams extended their lead to 9-3, but the Bulldogs began to rally. Madison Hatcher tied the game at 15-15 in the final minute of the first quarter, but two free throws from Tennessee Wesleyan gave them a narrow lead.

The Bulldogs gained momentum in the second quarter, building a lead as large as 12 points. CIU fought back, with Leinbach nailing a three-pointer to tie the game at 35-35 with under two minutes left in the half. However, Tennessee Wesleyan closed the quarter on an 8-1 run, taking a 43-36 advantage into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Rams struggled offensively, managing just nine points. Leinbach contributed three, and two free throws from Magdalena Mihaljevic trimmed the deficit to 16 heading into the fourth. Despite their efforts, CIU couldn't regain ground, scoring only 10 points in the final period compared to the Bulldogs' 17. The Rams ultimately fell 78-55.

Leinbach led CIU with a season-high 19 points, while Bethany Rymer added 10. Jerchel Geathers-Washington grabbed eight rebounds to lead the team, and Zhani Thompson contributed six rebounds and a block.