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

MANCHESTER, IN - The Transylvania University Pioneers traveled north to face off against conference opponent Manchester University. The midweek match-up included three lead changes, but the Pioneers fell just short of victory, losing 60-51 to the Spartans. 

The Pioneers started the game on a 13-4 run, fueled by Riley Flinn's two three point field goals. A two point basket by both Sierra Kemelgor and Chloe McKnight kept the lead for the Pioneers as the first quarter ended. The second quarter included both teams going back and forth, eager to find momentum. Kemelgor closed out the scoring for the Pioneers with a fast break three-pointer and lay-up. Transylvania went into the half, down five points. 

Sadie Wurth went on a solo 5-0 run to kick start the third quarter. Another Kemelgor three, brought the Pioneers within a two possession game. Free-throws by Riley Flinn and Kemelgor closed out the third period, with the Pioneers down just one possession. The Spartans came into the fourth quarter scoring six straight points. Baskets by Kemelgor and Flinn halted the Spartans scoring run. The Pioneers continued to fight, but fell just short before the final buzzer. 

Sierra Kemelgor led the Pioneers in scoring for the second straight game with 23 points, adding 5 rebounds and 1 assist. Riley Flinn fell one rebound short of notching a double double, with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Chloe Mcknight and Emilie Teall both shot 50% from the field. 

Head Coach Hannah Varel is proud of the teams defense for keeping them in the game; "Our defense continues to keep us in games, but we unfortunately couldn't string enough positive offensive possessions together when we needed to." "Credit to Manchester for making it a tough environment to play in and hitting shots when we tried to make a run. We have a long conference season ahead of us and we look forward to competing to stay atop of the league." stated Varel. 

The Pioneers next match-up is at the Gratz Park Private Wealth Holiday Tournament at home at the Clive M. Beck Center. Transylvania will face off against Case Western Reserve University on December 29th at 3:00 PM. For further information, please visit 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