YSU Women Rout Hiram 99-26 in Opener
Youngstown State opened the 2026-27 season with a lopsided win over Hiram at Zidian Family Arena.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Youngstown State's women's basketball team defeated Hiram 99-26 at Zidian Family Arena in the 2026-27 season opener. All 12 Youngstown State players on the roster scored in the win.
Why it matters
The lopsided opener gives Youngstown State an early read on its depth and defensive pressure heading into the season. Local fans get an early look at a team that forced 38 Hiram turnovers.
Youngstown State shot 50% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range while recording 25 steals, the fourth-most in program history. Hiram committed 38 turnovers, and the Penguins trailed 0-for-7 from the floor before closing the first quarter on a 12-0 run.
The players
Hayden Barrier
Hayden Barrier is a Youngstown State guard who scored a career-high 17 points in the season opener.
Mia Kalich
Mia Kalich is a Youngstown State player who surpassed 1,000 career points in the season opener.
Danielle Cameron
Danielle Cameron is a Youngstown State player whose three-point shooting sparked a 12-0 first-quarter run.
The details
Youngstown State started the game 0-for-7 from the floor before Danielle Cameron began scoring from three-point range to spark a 12-0 run that closed the first quarter. Hayden Barrier made four straight threes in the second quarter, pushing the lead to 41-15 at halftime. Hayden Barrier finished with a career-high 17 points, and Mia Kalich surpassed 1,000 career points.
Timeline
Monday night: Youngstown State defeats Hiram 99-26 in the season opener.
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.: Youngstown State hosts Buffalo at Zidian Family Arena.
Season Trajectory
The 25-steal effort ranks fourth in Youngstown State program history, placing this opener among the program's most disruptive defensive performances. An opening win of this margin sets an early tone for the team's defensive identity in the 2026-27 campaign.
Youngstown State continues its homestand Saturday against Buffalo at 6:30 p.m. Fans and fantasy managers tracking Hayden Barrier and Mia Kalich can monitor their production in the next home game.
The takeaway
Youngstown State's balanced scoring, with all 12 players reaching the scoreboard, suggests real depth heading into a long season. Watching whether that depth holds against stronger opponents will show whether the opener was a sign of things to come.
What happens next
Youngstown State hosts Buffalo at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Zidian Family Arena.
Further reading
For more on the program, see Basketball coverage across Youngstown.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tribune Chronicle, Warren OH.
