RIVER FOREST, IL – The Beloit College women's basketball team opened their 2025-26 season on the road against Dominican (IL) this evening. The Buccaneers ultimately fell 68-47. 

The Buccaneers (0-1, 0-0 MWC) started strong in the first quarter, boasting an impressive 80% field goal percentage (4-5), including 50% from beyond the arc (1-2). They also converted 72.7% of their free throws (8-11). Hailey Johnson (South Milwaukee, Wis.) led the charge for Beloit in this period, contributing 5 points. However, the Stars (1-0, 0-0 NACC) managed to pull ahead, ending the first quarter with a 20-17 lead.

The momentum shifted slightly in the second quarter, as Beloit's field goal percentage dropped to 25% (3-12). Despite this, they managed to maintain a decent free throw percentage of 66.7% (4-6). Dominican continued to build their lead, heading into halftime with a 34-28 advantage. At the half, Beloit's leading scorer was Johnson with 10 points.

Entering the second half, the Bucs struggled to find their rhythm, posting 20% from the field (3-15) in the third quarter and a similar 25% (3-12) in the fourth. Despite these challenges, players like Kaelie Moreno (Yorkville, Ill.) and Johnson continued to contribute offensively. Moreno hit a crucial 3-pointer in the third quarter, showcasing her range. Johnson led the Bucs on the boards as well, collecting ten rebounds for her first double-double of the season. 

The Buccaneers will look to build from this heading into their next game. They head to Lilse, Illinois and Benedictine University on Monday, November 10th. Tip off is set for 7:30 pm at the Dan and Aida Rice Center.