Monday, November 2
Athens, Ohio
7 p.m. ET
vs
Louisiana Monroe
11/1/2026 2:55:00 PM | Women's Basketball
ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio women's basketball team (0-0, 0-0 MAC) is set to host its season opener and MAC-SBC Challenge matchup against Louisiana Monroe (0-0, 0-0 SBC) on Monday, Nov. 2 in the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game is available to watch on ESPN+. Fans in attendance will be able to grab a 2026-27 schedule poster.
2025-26 SEASON RECAP
The Ohio women's basketball exceeded expectations during the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 overall and 11-7 conference record. The Bobcats more than doubled their win total from the 2024-25 season and won its most games since 2019-20. Ohio also achieved 11 conference wins for the first time since the 2020-21 season. After being picked 10th in the preseason poll and missing out on last year's tournament, the Bobcats earned the No. 5 seed at the 2026 MAC Tournament. After falling in the MAC semifinals, Ohio's season was not done yet. The Bobcats earned their first WNIT bid since the 2021-22 season and was the only women's program to represent the Mid-American Conference in the tournament.
Ohio concluded the 2025-26 season being ranked in the top 25 nationally for several statistical categories. Some of statistical categories include: Three Pointers Per Game (4th), Steals Per Game (14th), Turnovers Forced Per Game (18th) and Bench Points Per Game (23rd).
SCOUTING OHIO
Ohio concluded the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 overall and 11-7 conference record.
Last season, Ohio averaged 73.0 PPG; shooting 39.9 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from the arc and 65.3 percent from the line. The team averaged 37.0 rebounds, 13.4 assists, 11.6 steals and 2.9 blocks per game. Ohio forced 21.0 turnovers per game and averaged 20.8 points off turnovers.
Last season, Ohio's opponents averaged 71.4 PPG; shooting 40.2 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from the arc and 70.3 percent from the line. Opponents averaged 42.4 rebounds, 15.6 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.3 blocks per game. Opponents forced Ohio to give up 17.7 turnovers per game and averaged 16.8 points off turnovers.
SCOUTING LOUISIANA MONROE
Louisiana Monroe concluded the 2025-26 season with a 17-16 overall and 7-11 conference record.
Last season, ULM averaged 69.7 PPG; shooting 39.6 percent from the field, 32.3 percent from the arc and 67.9 percent from the line. The team averaged 41.2 rebounds, 13.2 assists, 10.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. ULM forced 19.1 turnovers per game and averaged 18.1 points off turnovers.
Last season, ULM's opponents averaged 67.8 PPG; shooting 42.1 percent from the field, 31.2 percent from the arc and 69.5 percent from the line. Opponents averaged 34.6 rebounds, 13.9 assists, 8.7 steals and 3.4 blocks per game. Opponents forced ULM to give up 17.3 turnovers per game and averaged 17.1 points off turnovers.
LAST TIME VS LOUISIANA MONROE
This is the first meeting between the Bobcats and the Warhawks.
ALL TIME VS LOUISIANA MONROE
This is the first meeting between the Bobcats and the Warhawks.
LAST TIME OUT (MARCH 19, 2026)
The Ohio women's basketball team (18-14, 11-7 MAC) concluded its season with a 62-58 overtime loss to UMBC (17-14, 10-6 America East) in the first round of the WNIT on Thursday, March 19 in the Convocation Center.
Ohio shot 33.9 percent from the field, 27.6 percent from the arc and 54.5 percent from the line. The Bobcats finished with 41 rebounds, 10 assists, 14 steals and one block.
Junior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) scored a team-high 14 points while graduate student Elli Garnett Lakewood, Colo.) added 11 points. Tabeling and Garnett led the team in rebounding, grabbed six boards each. Junior Asiah Baxter (Indianapolis, Ind.), Tabelng and Garnett tallied a team-high two assists a piece. Baxter and Garnett also finished with a team-high four steals each.
Tabeling got the scoring started for the Bobcats, as the two teams tried to find their rhythym on offense. Both offenses got off to a slow start. At 4:21 left in the quarter, Ohio only led UMBCA 9-4. The Bobcats and the Retrievers drained back-to-back three pointers as the quarter came to an end. At the end of the first, Ohio led UMBC 12-8.
The Bobcats kicked off the second quarter with a 15-2 scoring run. With 2:57 left on the clock, Ohio had extended its lead over UMBC to 27-10. Heading into the locker room, the Bobcats held a 29-16 lead over the Retrievers.
UMBC responded with a strong performance in the third quarter, outscoring Ohio 20-11. With 1:41 to go in the third, the Retrievers had cut the Bobcats' lead to two points. Ohio led UMBC 40-36 heading into the fourth quarter.
Ohio got off to a hot start in the fourth quarter with back-to-back three pointers by Garnett and Baxter. UMBC tied the game at 46-46 with 3:23 to play. With 1:03 left on the clock, the Retrievers took a 50-46 lead over the Bobcats. A layup by Tabeling and two successful free throws by junior Antonicia Moultrie (Nassau, Bahamas) tied the game at 50-50 with nine seconds to play. The score remained tied at 50-50, forcing an overtime period.
The Bobcats would ultimately fall to the Retrievers, 62-58, in overtime.
2026-27 MAC PRESEASON POLL & PRESEASON ALL-MAC
The Ohio women's basketball team was fifth in the 2026-27 Mid-American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league on Tuesday, Oct. 20. In addition, senior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) was selected to the 2026-27 Preseason All-MAC First Team.
Ohio's lone Preseason All-MAC selection, Tabeling, enters her fourth year as one of the Bobcats' top performers. During the 2025-26 season, she was named to the All-MAC Second Team. Tabeling played and started in 32 games, amassing 983 minutes and averaging 30.7 minutes per game. The senior finished the season shooting 38.8 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the arc and 74.8 percent from the line. One of her top performances last season with a 33-point outing in Ohio's conference quarterfinal win over Central Michigan. Overall, Tabeling averaged 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists 2.3 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.
Ball State was selected as the predicted regular season champion, earning 111 points with five first-place votes. Miami was picked to finish second with 108 points and three first-place votes. UMass (1) and Toledo (2) also received first-place votes. Ball State (4), Toledo (4), Miami (3) and UMass (1) all received MAC Tournament Champion votes as well.
YEAR FOUR: BAILEY TABELING
Entering her fourth year with the Bobcats, senior Bailey Tabeling is once again expected to be Ohio's top performer on the court this season. The 2026-27 Preseason All-MAC First Team honoree is a threat in the paint, at the free throw line and especially beyond the arc. Last year was Tabeling's best season yet, proven by her selection to the 2025-26 All-MAC Second Team. One of her major accomplishments included reaching the 1,000 points milestone at Ball State (Feb. 28). Tabeling finished the season with 464 points (14.5 PG); shooting 38.8 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the arc and 74.8 percent from the line. She also ranked first on the team for assists (3.1 PG), steals (2.3 PG) and blocks (0.5 PG). Tabeling also ranked third on the team for rebounds (4.0 PG).
OHIO'S UNSUNG HERO: ASIAH BAXTER
Senior Asiah Baxter's contributions are not always visible on the final box score, but she is easily one of the most important players on the floor. Baxter's leadership on and off the court has directly contributed to the program's success. After only playing in 12 games as a freshman, Baxter's last two seasons have proven how vital she is to the program's success. In 2025-26, she started and played in all 32 games last season, ranking second on the team for minutes played (26.9 PG). She also ranked second on the team for rebounds (4.6 PG) and third for steals (1.7 PG). Baxter scored 223 points (7.0 PG); shooting 41.6 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from the arc and 75.0 percent from the line.
THE MONICA WILLIAMS WAY
Just like Baxter and Tabeling, redshirt junior Monica Williams is back for her fourth season with Ohio. Williams immediately made a mark on the program as a freshman, but faced an obstacle in her second year after suffering a season-ending injury. In 2025-26, she returned to the court for the first time since December in 2024. Last year, she transitioned from starter to Ohio's first player off the bench. During the 2025-26 season, Williams played in 31 and started in three games. She scored 230 points (7.4 PG); shooting 37.7 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from the arc and 60.4 percent from the line. Williams ranked third on the team for assists (1.7 PG) and free throws made.
COMING OFF THE BENCH
One major key to Ohio's success in the 2025-26 season was its depth on the bench. As a team, the Bobcats finished the season ranked 23rd in the NCAA for bench points per game. Out of the 2,263 points scored by the Bobcats last season, Ohio's bench was responsible for 805 points. Several of Ohio's top contributors off the bench from last year return this season including redshirt junior Monica Williams, sophomore ReRe Jennings, senior Antonicia Moultrie as well as juniors Gigi Bower and Danni Scully.
2025-26 TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
*denotes returning players
Points: Bailey Tabeling (457)*, Bella Ranallo (313)*, Elli Garnett (256)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (151)*, Bella Ranallo (101)*, Elli Garnett (89)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (80)*, Bella Ranallo (44)*, Elli Garnett (39)
FT Made: Bailey Tabeling (75)*, Bella Ranallo (67)*, Monica Williams (56)*
Rebounds: Elli Garnett (170), Asiah Baxter (144)*, Bailey Tabeling (127)*
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (97)*, Elli Garnett (59), Monica Williams (51)*
Blocks: Bailey Tabeling (17)*, ReRe Jennings (17)*, Antonicia Moultrie (15)*, Aliah McWhorter (13)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (73)*, Bella Ranallo (53)*, Asiah Baxter (51)*
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (963)*, Asiah Baxter (850)*, Bella Ranallo (704)*
VETERAN BOBCATS
The Ohio women's basketball team has 11 players returning for the 2026-27 season. The returning group of players includes two sophomores, six juniors (three redshirt juniors) and four seniors.
Among Ohio's returners is last year's top performer and consistent standout, senior Bailey Tabeling. Tabeling enters her fourth season with the Bobcats. In 2025-26, Tabeling led the team is nearly all statistical categories. She played and started in all 32 games, averaging 30.7 minutes per game. Tabeling's scored a team-high 464 points (14.5 PG); shooting 38.8 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the arc and 74.8 percent from the line. She also compiled a team-best 97 assists (3.1 PG), 73 steals (2.3 PG), 17 blocks (0.5 PG) and ranked third on the team for rebounds with 127 total (4.0 PG). Following her performance in the regular season, Tabeling was named to the 2025-26 All-MAC Second Team.
Tabeling finished the season with 23 double-figure point games in addition to five 20-point games and her first 30-point game of her career. She also led the team in scoring in 15 games and had two double-doubles. Tabeling also led the team in assists in 15 games and in steals in 17 games last season.
Prior to the start of this season, Tabeling was named to the 2026-27 Preseason All-MAC First Team.
Tabeling's classmates, senior Asiah Baxter and redshirt junior Monica Williams, also enter their fourth year as Bobcats. Tabeling, Baxter & Williams all joined the team as freshmen prior to the 2023-24 season.
Baxter is often referred to as Ohio's "unsung hero," especially during the 2025-26 season. She started and played in all 32 games last season, ranking second on the team for minutes played (850/26.9 PG). The senior also ranked second on the team for rebounds with 148 (4.6 PG) and third for steals with 53 (1.7 PG). Baxter scored 223 points (7.0 PG); shooting 41.6 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from the arc and 75.0 percent from the line.
After suffering a season-ending injury early on during the 2024-25 season, Williams finally returned to the court for Ohio in 2025-26. The redshirt junior has been an impactful player since stepping on the court as a freshman. Last season, Williams played in 31 and started in three games. She scored 230 points (7.4 PG); shooting 37.7 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from the arc and 60.4 percent from the line. Williams ranked third on the team for assists with 54 (1.7 PG) and free throws made.
Another strong returner for Ohio, redshirt junior Bella Ranallo, played her first year with the Bobcats last season after transferring from Clemson. Ranallo is valuable at the point, having played and started in 29 games. She amassed 724 minutes played, averaging 25.0 minutes per game before suffering a season-ending injury in Ohio's last home game of the regular season. In 2025-26, Ranallo averaged 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Other key returners for the Bobcats include senior Antonicia Moultrie, juniors Gigi Bower and Danni Scully as well as sophomore ReRe Jennings.
WELCOME TO ATHENS
Ohio welcomes five newcomers, including four freshmen and one junior transfer to its 2026-27 roster.
Sienna Allen (Freshman; Portsmouth, Ohio): A 6-1 guard, Allen was a four-year letterwinner for basketball at Portsmouth High School. Allen led Portsmouth to several titles, including the back-to-back Ohio Division 5 State Titles (2024-25, 2025-26), and garnered multiple accolades along the way. Allen's accolades include being named 2024-25 Division 5 Player of the Year (Prep Girls Hoops), 2024-25 District 14 Player of the Year and 2024-25 All-Southeast District Player of the Year. Allen was selected First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-District, First Team All-OVC and District 14 First Team multiple times throughout her career. She also is a multi-time OVC Player of the Year, and OVC Champion.
Irene Asensio Mañosa (Junior; Barcelona, Spain): A 5-8 guard, Asensio Mañosa joins the Bobcats after playing two season at UTEP. She played in 45 games and made 10 starts; averaging 13.7 minutes, 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds per game. Asensio Mañosa compiled 95 points with the Miners; shooting 29.0 percent from the field, 21.6 percent from the arc and 80.0 percent from the line. Internationally, she has played for Spain's national team and earned a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's Eurobasket.
Kamie Ellis (Freshman; Port Charlotte, Fla.): A 5-9 guard, Ellis was a combined four-year letterwinner for basketball at Miami Country Day (2024-25, 2025-26) and Charlotte High (2022-23, 2023-24). She helped Miami Country Day to a 2024-25 State Championship title. Ellis played in 76 games and compiled 915 points, 313 rebounds, 224 assists, 246 steals and 24 blocks.
Aubrey Pepper (Freshman; Athens, Ohio): A 5-9 guard, Pepper played basketball Warren High School. During her career, she was named an All-Ohio Honorable Mention. Pepper averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
Blossom Wallace (Freshman; Pickerington, Ohio): A 6-0 forward, Wallace was a four-year letterwinner for basketball Pickerington Central High School. As a freshman, she averaged 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. As a sophomore, Wallace averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. As a junior, she averaged 10.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The 2025 State Champion has made two state final four appearances (2023, 2024). Wallace earned several accolades including being named 2024-25 DI Ohio Honorable Mention and 2024-25 First Team OCC.
2026-27 MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
The MAC-SBC Challenge -- the fourth installment of a scheduling alliance in men's and women's basketball -- will tip off on Monday, Nov. 2, with 12 Mid-American Conference (MAC) women's basketball programs hosting 12 Sun Belt Conference (SBC) teams, while the 12 MAC men's basketball programs will visit 12 SBC teams.
The second MAC-SBC Challenge contest for each team will take place in February, with the matchups based on real-time NET rankings and announced in January. The MAC men and Sun Belt women will host the February matchups.
Each MAC and Sun Belt team included in the MAC-SBC Challenge is guaranteed one home and one away game each season. Scheduling assistance is provided by Ordinal Sports Group. In addition to relevant NET data, geography and frequency of past contests are considered in determining the matchups. Each MAC-SBC Challenge game will be carried on an ESPN platform.
BOBCATS STAFF: FAMILIAR FACES
Ohio returns its entire coaching staff from last season. Associate Head Coach Tavares Jackson joins head coach, Bob Bolden, in his 14th season with the Bobcats. All of Ohio's assistant coaches return this season with Chelsea Welch and Kaylee Gregory Bambule entering their fifth season and Abby Garnett entering her third season. Director of Operations Ebony Pegues enters her sixth season with the program.
UP NEXT
The Bobcats will be back in action when they host Otterbein for their Rufus Field Trip Game/Education Day on Monday, Nov. 9 in the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
#OUohyeah
2025-26 SEASON RECAP
The Ohio women's basketball exceeded expectations during the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 overall and 11-7 conference record. The Bobcats more than doubled their win total from the 2024-25 season and won its most games since 2019-20. Ohio also achieved 11 conference wins for the first time since the 2020-21 season. After being picked 10th in the preseason poll and missing out on last year's tournament, the Bobcats earned the No. 5 seed at the 2026 MAC Tournament. After falling in the MAC semifinals, Ohio's season was not done yet. The Bobcats earned their first WNIT bid since the 2021-22 season and was the only women's program to represent the Mid-American Conference in the tournament.
Ohio concluded the 2025-26 season being ranked in the top 25 nationally for several statistical categories. Some of statistical categories include: Three Pointers Per Game (4th), Steals Per Game (14th), Turnovers Forced Per Game (18th) and Bench Points Per Game (23rd).
SCOUTING OHIO
Ohio concluded the 2025-26 season with an 18-14 overall and 11-7 conference record.
Last season, Ohio averaged 73.0 PPG; shooting 39.9 percent from the field, 32.1 percent from the arc and 65.3 percent from the line. The team averaged 37.0 rebounds, 13.4 assists, 11.6 steals and 2.9 blocks per game. Ohio forced 21.0 turnovers per game and averaged 20.8 points off turnovers.
Last season, Ohio's opponents averaged 71.4 PPG; shooting 40.2 percent from the field, 32.0 percent from the arc and 70.3 percent from the line. Opponents averaged 42.4 rebounds, 15.6 assists, 8.3 steals and 3.3 blocks per game. Opponents forced Ohio to give up 17.7 turnovers per game and averaged 16.8 points off turnovers.
SCOUTING LOUISIANA MONROE
Louisiana Monroe concluded the 2025-26 season with a 17-16 overall and 7-11 conference record.
Last season, ULM averaged 69.7 PPG; shooting 39.6 percent from the field, 32.3 percent from the arc and 67.9 percent from the line. The team averaged 41.2 rebounds, 13.2 assists, 10.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. ULM forced 19.1 turnovers per game and averaged 18.1 points off turnovers.
Last season, ULM's opponents averaged 67.8 PPG; shooting 42.1 percent from the field, 31.2 percent from the arc and 69.5 percent from the line. Opponents averaged 34.6 rebounds, 13.9 assists, 8.7 steals and 3.4 blocks per game. Opponents forced ULM to give up 17.3 turnovers per game and averaged 17.1 points off turnovers.
LAST TIME VS LOUISIANA MONROE
This is the first meeting between the Bobcats and the Warhawks.
ALL TIME VS LOUISIANA MONROE
This is the first meeting between the Bobcats and the Warhawks.
LAST TIME OUT (MARCH 19, 2026)
The Ohio women's basketball team (18-14, 11-7 MAC) concluded its season with a 62-58 overtime loss to UMBC (17-14, 10-6 America East) in the first round of the WNIT on Thursday, March 19 in the Convocation Center.
Ohio shot 33.9 percent from the field, 27.6 percent from the arc and 54.5 percent from the line. The Bobcats finished with 41 rebounds, 10 assists, 14 steals and one block.
Junior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) scored a team-high 14 points while graduate student Elli Garnett Lakewood, Colo.) added 11 points. Tabeling and Garnett led the team in rebounding, grabbed six boards each. Junior Asiah Baxter (Indianapolis, Ind.), Tabelng and Garnett tallied a team-high two assists a piece. Baxter and Garnett also finished with a team-high four steals each.
Tabeling got the scoring started for the Bobcats, as the two teams tried to find their rhythym on offense. Both offenses got off to a slow start. At 4:21 left in the quarter, Ohio only led UMBCA 9-4. The Bobcats and the Retrievers drained back-to-back three pointers as the quarter came to an end. At the end of the first, Ohio led UMBC 12-8.
The Bobcats kicked off the second quarter with a 15-2 scoring run. With 2:57 left on the clock, Ohio had extended its lead over UMBC to 27-10. Heading into the locker room, the Bobcats held a 29-16 lead over the Retrievers.
UMBC responded with a strong performance in the third quarter, outscoring Ohio 20-11. With 1:41 to go in the third, the Retrievers had cut the Bobcats' lead to two points. Ohio led UMBC 40-36 heading into the fourth quarter.
Ohio got off to a hot start in the fourth quarter with back-to-back three pointers by Garnett and Baxter. UMBC tied the game at 46-46 with 3:23 to play. With 1:03 left on the clock, the Retrievers took a 50-46 lead over the Bobcats. A layup by Tabeling and two successful free throws by junior Antonicia Moultrie (Nassau, Bahamas) tied the game at 50-50 with nine seconds to play. The score remained tied at 50-50, forcing an overtime period.
The Bobcats would ultimately fall to the Retrievers, 62-58, in overtime.
2026-27 MAC PRESEASON POLL & PRESEASON ALL-MAC
The Ohio women's basketball team was fifth in the 2026-27 Mid-American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, as announced by the league on Tuesday, Oct. 20. In addition, senior Bailey Tabeling (Seymour, Ind.) was selected to the 2026-27 Preseason All-MAC First Team.
Ohio's lone Preseason All-MAC selection, Tabeling, enters her fourth year as one of the Bobcats' top performers. During the 2025-26 season, she was named to the All-MAC Second Team. Tabeling played and started in 32 games, amassing 983 minutes and averaging 30.7 minutes per game. The senior finished the season shooting 38.8 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the arc and 74.8 percent from the line. One of her top performances last season with a 33-point outing in Ohio's conference quarterfinal win over Central Michigan. Overall, Tabeling averaged 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists 2.3 steals and 0.5 blocks per game.
Ball State was selected as the predicted regular season champion, earning 111 points with five first-place votes. Miami was picked to finish second with 108 points and three first-place votes. UMass (1) and Toledo (2) also received first-place votes. Ball State (4), Toledo (4), Miami (3) and UMass (1) all received MAC Tournament Champion votes as well.
YEAR FOUR: BAILEY TABELING
Entering her fourth year with the Bobcats, senior Bailey Tabeling is once again expected to be Ohio's top performer on the court this season. The 2026-27 Preseason All-MAC First Team honoree is a threat in the paint, at the free throw line and especially beyond the arc. Last year was Tabeling's best season yet, proven by her selection to the 2025-26 All-MAC Second Team. One of her major accomplishments included reaching the 1,000 points milestone at Ball State (Feb. 28). Tabeling finished the season with 464 points (14.5 PG); shooting 38.8 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the arc and 74.8 percent from the line. She also ranked first on the team for assists (3.1 PG), steals (2.3 PG) and blocks (0.5 PG). Tabeling also ranked third on the team for rebounds (4.0 PG).
OHIO'S UNSUNG HERO: ASIAH BAXTER
Senior Asiah Baxter's contributions are not always visible on the final box score, but she is easily one of the most important players on the floor. Baxter's leadership on and off the court has directly contributed to the program's success. After only playing in 12 games as a freshman, Baxter's last two seasons have proven how vital she is to the program's success. In 2025-26, she started and played in all 32 games last season, ranking second on the team for minutes played (26.9 PG). She also ranked second on the team for rebounds (4.6 PG) and third for steals (1.7 PG). Baxter scored 223 points (7.0 PG); shooting 41.6 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from the arc and 75.0 percent from the line.
THE MONICA WILLIAMS WAY
Just like Baxter and Tabeling, redshirt junior Monica Williams is back for her fourth season with Ohio. Williams immediately made a mark on the program as a freshman, but faced an obstacle in her second year after suffering a season-ending injury. In 2025-26, she returned to the court for the first time since December in 2024. Last year, she transitioned from starter to Ohio's first player off the bench. During the 2025-26 season, Williams played in 31 and started in three games. She scored 230 points (7.4 PG); shooting 37.7 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from the arc and 60.4 percent from the line. Williams ranked third on the team for assists (1.7 PG) and free throws made.
COMING OFF THE BENCH
One major key to Ohio's success in the 2025-26 season was its depth on the bench. As a team, the Bobcats finished the season ranked 23rd in the NCAA for bench points per game. Out of the 2,263 points scored by the Bobcats last season, Ohio's bench was responsible for 805 points. Several of Ohio's top contributors off the bench from last year return this season including redshirt junior Monica Williams, sophomore ReRe Jennings, senior Antonicia Moultrie as well as juniors Gigi Bower and Danni Scully.
2025-26 TEAM STATISTICAL CATEGORY LEADERS (TOP 3)
*denotes returning players
Points: Bailey Tabeling (457)*, Bella Ranallo (313)*, Elli Garnett (256)
FG Made: Bailey Tabeling (151)*, Bella Ranallo (101)*, Elli Garnett (89)
3PT Made: Bailey Tabeling (80)*, Bella Ranallo (44)*, Elli Garnett (39)
FT Made: Bailey Tabeling (75)*, Bella Ranallo (67)*, Monica Williams (56)*
Rebounds: Elli Garnett (170), Asiah Baxter (144)*, Bailey Tabeling (127)*
Assists: Bailey Tabeling (97)*, Elli Garnett (59), Monica Williams (51)*
Blocks: Bailey Tabeling (17)*, ReRe Jennings (17)*, Antonicia Moultrie (15)*, Aliah McWhorter (13)
Steals: Bailey Tabeling (73)*, Bella Ranallo (53)*, Asiah Baxter (51)*
Minutes Played: Bailey Tabeling (963)*, Asiah Baxter (850)*, Bella Ranallo (704)*
VETERAN BOBCATS
The Ohio women's basketball team has 11 players returning for the 2026-27 season. The returning group of players includes two sophomores, six juniors (three redshirt juniors) and four seniors.
Among Ohio's returners is last year's top performer and consistent standout, senior Bailey Tabeling. Tabeling enters her fourth season with the Bobcats. In 2025-26, Tabeling led the team is nearly all statistical categories. She played and started in all 32 games, averaging 30.7 minutes per game. Tabeling's scored a team-high 464 points (14.5 PG); shooting 38.8 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from the arc and 74.8 percent from the line. She also compiled a team-best 97 assists (3.1 PG), 73 steals (2.3 PG), 17 blocks (0.5 PG) and ranked third on the team for rebounds with 127 total (4.0 PG). Following her performance in the regular season, Tabeling was named to the 2025-26 All-MAC Second Team.
Tabeling finished the season with 23 double-figure point games in addition to five 20-point games and her first 30-point game of her career. She also led the team in scoring in 15 games and had two double-doubles. Tabeling also led the team in assists in 15 games and in steals in 17 games last season.
Prior to the start of this season, Tabeling was named to the 2026-27 Preseason All-MAC First Team.
Tabeling's classmates, senior Asiah Baxter and redshirt junior Monica Williams, also enter their fourth year as Bobcats. Tabeling, Baxter & Williams all joined the team as freshmen prior to the 2023-24 season.
Baxter is often referred to as Ohio's "unsung hero," especially during the 2025-26 season. She started and played in all 32 games last season, ranking second on the team for minutes played (850/26.9 PG). The senior also ranked second on the team for rebounds with 148 (4.6 PG) and third for steals with 53 (1.7 PG). Baxter scored 223 points (7.0 PG); shooting 41.6 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from the arc and 75.0 percent from the line.
After suffering a season-ending injury early on during the 2024-25 season, Williams finally returned to the court for Ohio in 2025-26. The redshirt junior has been an impactful player since stepping on the court as a freshman. Last season, Williams played in 31 and started in three games. She scored 230 points (7.4 PG); shooting 37.7 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from the arc and 60.4 percent from the line. Williams ranked third on the team for assists with 54 (1.7 PG) and free throws made.
Another strong returner for Ohio, redshirt junior Bella Ranallo, played her first year with the Bobcats last season after transferring from Clemson. Ranallo is valuable at the point, having played and started in 29 games. She amassed 724 minutes played, averaging 25.0 minutes per game before suffering a season-ending injury in Ohio's last home game of the regular season. In 2025-26, Ranallo averaged 11.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
Other key returners for the Bobcats include senior Antonicia Moultrie, juniors Gigi Bower and Danni Scully as well as sophomore ReRe Jennings.
WELCOME TO ATHENS
Ohio welcomes five newcomers, including four freshmen and one junior transfer to its 2026-27 roster.
Sienna Allen (Freshman; Portsmouth, Ohio): A 6-1 guard, Allen was a four-year letterwinner for basketball at Portsmouth High School. Allen led Portsmouth to several titles, including the back-to-back Ohio Division 5 State Titles (2024-25, 2025-26), and garnered multiple accolades along the way. Allen's accolades include being named 2024-25 Division 5 Player of the Year (Prep Girls Hoops), 2024-25 District 14 Player of the Year and 2024-25 All-Southeast District Player of the Year. Allen was selected First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-District, First Team All-OVC and District 14 First Team multiple times throughout her career. She also is a multi-time OVC Player of the Year, and OVC Champion.
Irene Asensio Mañosa (Junior; Barcelona, Spain): A 5-8 guard, Asensio Mañosa joins the Bobcats after playing two season at UTEP. She played in 45 games and made 10 starts; averaging 13.7 minutes, 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds per game. Asensio Mañosa compiled 95 points with the Miners; shooting 29.0 percent from the field, 21.6 percent from the arc and 80.0 percent from the line. Internationally, she has played for Spain's national team and earned a silver medal at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women's Eurobasket.
Kamie Ellis (Freshman; Port Charlotte, Fla.): A 5-9 guard, Ellis was a combined four-year letterwinner for basketball at Miami Country Day (2024-25, 2025-26) and Charlotte High (2022-23, 2023-24). She helped Miami Country Day to a 2024-25 State Championship title. Ellis played in 76 games and compiled 915 points, 313 rebounds, 224 assists, 246 steals and 24 blocks.
Aubrey Pepper (Freshman; Athens, Ohio): A 5-9 guard, Pepper played basketball Warren High School. During her career, she was named an All-Ohio Honorable Mention. Pepper averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 3.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game.
Blossom Wallace (Freshman; Pickerington, Ohio): A 6-0 forward, Wallace was a four-year letterwinner for basketball Pickerington Central High School. As a freshman, she averaged 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. As a sophomore, Wallace averaged 8.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. As a junior, she averaged 10.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. The 2025 State Champion has made two state final four appearances (2023, 2024). Wallace earned several accolades including being named 2024-25 DI Ohio Honorable Mention and 2024-25 First Team OCC.
2026-27 MAC-SBC CHALLENGE
The MAC-SBC Challenge -- the fourth installment of a scheduling alliance in men's and women's basketball -- will tip off on Monday, Nov. 2, with 12 Mid-American Conference (MAC) women's basketball programs hosting 12 Sun Belt Conference (SBC) teams, while the 12 MAC men's basketball programs will visit 12 SBC teams.
The second MAC-SBC Challenge contest for each team will take place in February, with the matchups based on real-time NET rankings and announced in January. The MAC men and Sun Belt women will host the February matchups.
Each MAC and Sun Belt team included in the MAC-SBC Challenge is guaranteed one home and one away game each season. Scheduling assistance is provided by Ordinal Sports Group. In addition to relevant NET data, geography and frequency of past contests are considered in determining the matchups. Each MAC-SBC Challenge game will be carried on an ESPN platform.
BOBCATS STAFF: FAMILIAR FACES
Ohio returns its entire coaching staff from last season. Associate Head Coach Tavares Jackson joins head coach, Bob Bolden, in his 14th season with the Bobcats. All of Ohio's assistant coaches return this season with Chelsea Welch and Kaylee Gregory Bambule entering their fifth season and Abby Garnett entering her third season. Director of Operations Ebony Pegues enters her sixth season with the program.
UP NEXT
The Bobcats will be back in action when they host Otterbein for their Rufus Field Trip Game/Education Day on Monday, Nov. 9 in the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. ET and the game will be available to watch on ESPN+.
#OUohyeah
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/ Women's BasketballWednesday, October 21
Friday, March 20
Sunday, March 08
Thursday, February 26
