MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Loyola Chicago women's basketball earned its first win of the 2025–26 season Monday night, defeating Milwaukee 59-55 on the road for its first victory at Milwaukee Jan. 31, 2013.

"It's hard to win, especially on the road, so we're really celebrating this one," said Loyola Chicago Head Coach Allison Guth. "The team showed great effort off the bench and stepped up when it mattered. We're learning a lot about ourselves and the importance of being intentional with our adjustments. We struggled with rebounding and shooting but the group found ways to get stops and make key plays when it counted. Defensively, we made crucial stops and limited a very talented opponent. This game gives us lessons to build on as we move forward."

How it Happened

The Ramblers (1-0) held Milwaukee to just 17.6 percent from beyond the arc (3-for-17) and forced 24 turnovers, converting those takeaways into 22 points. Loyola also capitalized on the offensive glass, collecting 14 offensive rebounds that led to 11 second-chance points.

Alex-Anne Bessette came off the bench to lead Loyola with 12 points and three steals in her first collegiate game, while Alexa Kinas filled the stat sheet with nine points, seven rebounds and two steals. Audrey Deptula added nine points and broke her career high in made free throws in the first half alone, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the line before halftime. Clara Djoko contributed six points, three steals and three offensive rebounds in her Rambler debut.

Rosalie Mercille helped ignite the offense early, knocking down two of Loyola's three first-quarter 3-pointers. Despite falling behind by nine in the opening frame, the Ramblers rallied with a 17-6 run that extended into the second quarter. Deptula's five straight free throws with 2:30 left in the half gave Loyola its first lead at 27-24, and Nevaeh Dickman's two makes at the line just before the buzzer put the Ramblers ahead 29-28 at halftime.

Loyola carried that momentum into the third quarter, opening on a 13-6 run fueled by 10 points from Bessette. Brooklyn Vaughn's 3-pointer with just under two minutes remaining gave the Ramblers their largest lead at 44-34. Milwaukee rallied late, but Loyola maintained control down the stretch to secure the four-point victory.

Game Notes

• The Ramblers held the Panthers to 38.1 percent shooting from the field and 17.6 percent from beyond the arc.
• Loyola's bench provided a big spark, accounting for 24 of the team's 59 points.
• The Ramblers forced 24 Milwaukee turnovers while committing only 12.
• Loyola turned those takeaways into 22 points on the offensive end.
• The Ramblers collected 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 11 second-chance points.
• Loyola recorded five team blocks and nine steals.
• Bessette led the Ramblers with 12 points off the bench.
• Kinas grabbed a career high seven rebounds.
• Djoko notched a career high five boards, three assists and five points.
• Deptula broke her career high for made free throws in the first half alone, finishing a perfect 5-for-5 at the line.
• The win marked Loyola's first at Milwaukee since Jan. 31, 2013.

Up Next
The Ramblers host Green Bay for their home opener this Thursday (Nov. 6) at Gentile Arena. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. with the men's game against Mercyhurst to follow directly after.