Jonathan French
Assistant Director of Communications and Media
jfrench@transy.edu

LEXINGTON, KY - The Pioneers defeated Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent, Bluffton University, 67-51 on Saturday at the Clive M. Beck Center to remain undefeated in conference play. 

Transylvania started the game on a 9-0 run from three straight three pointers from Riley Flinn, Sierra Kemelgor, and Sadie Wurth. Bluffton brought the lead back within one with a minute left in the first quarter. Wurth made her second three point field goal to extend the lead to 4 to close out the period. The Pioneers went on a 12-0 run in the second period, forcing the Beavers first field goal coming with three minutes left in the half. A pair of three point field goals from McLain Murphy and Wurth bumped the Pioneers lead to 20. Transylvania went into the half with a 20 point lead.

Bluffton came out of the half on a 7-2 run. The remainder of the third quarter was back and forth with both teams playing for momentum. A field goal by Chloe McKnight and Aubree Littlejohn kept the Pioneer lead at 13. The final basket of the period came from Kemelgor making the ;ead 15 going into the final quarter. The Pioneer kept the momentum going into the fourth quarter stretching the lead to 17 with a layup by Samantha Cornelison. A pair of free throws by Micayla Hurdle and a tip-in by Grace Bruner closed out the conference matchup. 

Sierra Kemelgor led Transylvania with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists; while Sadie Wurth shot 75% from behind the arc with 11 points and five assists. Riley Flinn added 11 points with 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Flinn and Samantha Cornelison lead the Pioneers in rebounds with 6. 

Key Stats: 
- The Pioneers scored 20 points off turnovers and 32 points within the paint.
- Transylvania outscored the Beavers by 16 in the second quarter, holding them to just four points. 

Head Coach Hannah Varel was proud of the way her team found a way to take the lead early and keep the lead. "Finals week always makes for a challenging atmosphere but we're proud of our group for finding a way to win. We loved being able to play at home for only our second time all year and I think it showed in our shooting efficiency."

The Pioneers are looking onward to their next conference matchup on December 18th against Manchester University. Tip off is at 1 pm and can be followed on transysports.com.

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www.transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.