HIRAM, Ohio - February 15, 2023 - Hiram's final home game of the season ended in a 69-38 loss on Wednesday evening at Price Gymnasium. The game was celebrated as the LOVE IS LOVE: PRIDE Recognition & Awareness Game.

The Terriers played some of their best basketball in the first quarter, as they went on a 10-0 run to tie the game, 14-14. Senior Taylor Valaitis – who was playing in her final game at Price Gymnasium – started strong with 5 points, 2 assists and a steal in the first 10 minutes alone.

The remainder of the contest saw Wittenberg take control, with Kelsey Ragan scoring a game-high 18 points and Jazmyn Gaines-Burns adding 13 points. The Tigers improved to 12-1 in the conference and 19-4 overall; they are in a battle with DePauw (17-7, 12-1 NCAC) for the regular-season title and the No. 1 overall seed in the conference tournament.

For Hiram, Valaitis led the way with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and the 1 steal. Brooke Hickman trailed behind her with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Six different Terriers players recorded at least 1 steal in the game.

The Terriers will conclude their regular-season slate on Saturday at Ohio Wesleyan at 1 p.m. Their opponent in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament, which begins on Tuesday, Feb. 31, is still to be determined.