BRYN MAWR, PA — Bryn Mawr basketball opened the 2025-26 season in exciting fashion as they took on Centenary University (NJ) in exciting fashion in the Class of 1958 Gymnasium on Saturday. The Owls, who welcomed nine first-years to the team this season, competed against the Cyclones for only the second time in program history and kept the game tied going into halftime. First-year Jenny Briggs led the Owls with 13 points, including two three-pointers in the fourth frame, to give the Owls a slight lead in the final minutes of the game. However, a three-pointer from Centenary proved all the difference as the Cyclones won the game, 60-57. 

Highlights:

• Bryn Mawr started with a defensive mindset, creating three steals early in the game. Jenny Briggs and Michelle Jiang were active on the boards, securing crucial rebounds that kept the pressure on the Cyclones. Defensively, the Owls maintained intensity, forcing nine turnovers from Centenary and holding them to just two baskets. However, the Cyclones capitalized on free throws, making six of eight, which contributed to their edge. Bryn Mawr trailed 10–6 at the end of the first quarter.
• Bryn Mawr started the second quarter with a three-pointer by Hannah Mack, assisted by Hannah Govert, marking a strong start. Centenary responded with a scoring stretch led by Vatijah Davis, who contributed to a six-point run that briefly increased their lead. The Owls countered with consistent scoring, highlighted by Sydney Gelhar's layup and a crucial three-pointer from Govert with 49 seconds remaining, tying the game. The quarter concluded with the score knotted at 22.
• Bryn Mawr initiated the third quarter with a quick layup by Govert, assisted by Briggs, to maintain momentum. Despite a tightly contested possession, the Owls briefly took the lead at 6:26 with a layup by Briggs, followed by a jumper from Gelhar at 5:00 to sustain their edge. As the quarter progressed, Jiang's defensive rebound at 6:05 and another layup by Maddy Patel at 3:00 kept Bryn Mawr close. However, Centenary responded with critical baskets and regained control. The Owls' attempts to close the gap were hindered by turnovers, and Centenary capitalized with a free throw in the final minute. The quarter concluded with Bryn Mawr trailing 40–36, setting up a challenging final stretch.
• Bryn Mawr began the fourth quarter by narrowing the gap with a scoring drive initiated by Patel's layup at 8:27, assisted by Govert, followed by another quick layup from Patel, which brought the score to 43-40. Patel's effort was part of a stretch that saw Bryn Mawr score eight points in the paint during the quarter. Briggs played a pivotal role with a key three-pointer at 4:12, tying the game at 49-49. Shortly after, she hit another three to give Bryn Mawr a 52-51 lead. Despite this momentum, Centenary responded with a jumper to reclaim the lead. In the closing minutes, Briggs added a jumper and a free throw, but the Cyclones maintained their edge with critical points. Bryn Mawr's late attempts to regain control, including a missed three-pointer by Mack at the buzzer, were not enough, as they trailed 60-57 at the end of regulation.

Bryn Mawr basketball looks to their Tuesday home game at 7:00 PM EST against Wilson College. Visit gobrynmawr.com to tune into the game live and check out @bmcathletics on social media to stay updated on your favorite Bryn Mawr teams.