Owings Mills, Md. – The Stevenson women's basketball team opened their 2026-27 women's basketball season Tuesday evening inside Owings Mills Gymnasium, showcasing an offensive spark and a strong second-quarter push against Bridgewater (Va.), ultimately falling 78–54 to the Eagles.
Stevenson came out with energy to start the contest, as
Janiya Ennis opened the scoring with a fast-break layup off a steal from
Nadia Ferguson.
Deamya Ojo added a pair of free throws to give the Mustangs an early 3–1 advantage. The Eagles responded with a scoring run to take control, but Stevenson continued to battle.
Elia Richardson connected from beyond the arc, while
Lauren Caulden added a free throw and Ferguson finished a fast-break layup to keep the Mustangs within reach. Bridgewater closed the opening period with a basket in the final seconds to take a 16–10 lead.
The Mustangs found their offensive rhythm in the second quarter, putting together their strongest scoring stretch of the evening with 21 points. Ennis got things started with a pull-up jumper before Ferguson converted a fast-break layup off a Caulden assist. Bridgewater extended its lead, but Stevenson continued to chip away. Ennis knocked down a three-pointer, followed by a floating jumper from Ojo and a second-chance basket from Ferguson to bring the Mustangs within six.
Stevenson's defensive pressure helped fuel the comeback, as Ennis recorded back-to-back steals that led to scoring opportunities. Ennis converted a driving layup to pull the Mustangs within three at 27–24 with just over four minutes remaining in the half. She continued to attack the basket, adding another pair of jumpers and a fast-break layup to finish the half with 16 points. Despite the offensive surge, Bridgewater answered down the stretch to take a 40–31 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Eagles extended their lead with an 18-point third quarter. Ennis continued to lead the Stevenson offense, while Ferguson contributed inside with a pair of baskets. Ojo added another finish in the paint, and Caulden helped facilitate the offense. Bridgewater built its largest lead of the period, but Ennis responded with a driving layup and a jumper to keep the Mustangs competing. The Eagles carried a 58–44 advantage into the final quarter.
Stevenson continued to fight in the fourth quarter, as Ojo opened the period with a steal and converted the fast-break opportunity into a layup. Ennis followed with a pair of free throws, while Caulden connected on a layup off an Ojo assist. Ennis added another jumper midway through the period, reaching 24 points, and Caulden continued to contribute offensively with a finish inside. However, Bridgewater maintained its advantage down the stretch, securing the 78–54 decision.
Ennis led all Mustangs with a game-high 26 points, shooting 11-of-20 from the floor while adding one assists and three steals. Ferguson finished with 10 points, one rebounds, two steals and a block, while Ojo contributed eight points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Caulden added five points, five rebounds and three assists. Richardson chipped in three points, and
Allahna Foreman finished with two points.
The Mustangs return to Owings Mills Gymnasium on Thursday, November 12, hosting Trinity Washington for their home opener at 3 p.m.
