Dalton Christopher
Assistant Athletic Director - Communications & Media
dchristopher@transy.edu

LEXINGTON, KY - Transylvania University earned their fourth straight victory on Wednesday, defeating Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent Franklin College 67-47. 

Sierra Kemelgor started the evening with consecutive baskets for the Pioneers. On the opening possession, Kemelgor scored on a jump shot late in the shot clock and knocked down a three-point field goal on the next trip down the floor. Moments later, Emilie Teall knocked down a three-pointer to extend the Transylvania lead 8-2, the Pioneers would carry a five point lead into the second quarter. After a quick start in the second for Franklin, Reagan Barrett continued the strong three-point shooting performance for Transylvania with a three-pointer to regain a 17-15 lead. Kemelgor would score consecutive field goals to extend the lead midway through the second. Sadie Wurth's steal would lead to a fast break opportunity for Riley Flinn to give the Pioneers a 23-16 advantage. Transylvania would carry a 29-23 lead into the half. 

Transylvania would start the second half with a strong offensive sequence as a field goal in the post for Flinn, a three-pointer from Wurth and a jump shot from Chloe McKnight would give the Pioneers a nine point lead. Late in the third, Wurth would force another Franklin turnover with her second steal of the evening, leading to a fast break lay up for Makya Grinter. Seconds later after a Franklin turnover, Flinn would score consecutive field goals, a three-pointer and a fast break lay up for a 14 point Pioneer lead. Transylvania opened the fourth quarter with a field goal from McKnight and another three from Flinn. Kemelgor and Grinter would score consecutive fast break lay ups to give the Pioneers a 16 point lead. The strong offensive performance would continue with consecutive three-point field goals from Reagan Barrett and Murphy McClain within twenty seconds of one another for a 65-41 lead. Grace Bruner would close the evening for Transylvania at the free-throw line for a 67-47 Pioneer victory.

Key Stats

- Riley Flinn led the Pioneers with 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. 
- Sierra Kemelgor added 17 points, three rebounds and two steals for the Pioneers.
- Transylvania outscored Franklin 28-20 in the post.
- Transylvania outscored Franklin 12-2 on fast break opportunities.

"I'm very proud of our attention to detail and focus to execute our scout on the defensive end," said Head Coach Hannah Varel. "We continue to take huge strides in finding different ways to score and having multiple people step up. We're looking forward to continuing our home stand the next two weeks!"

Transylvania returns to the Clive M. Beck Center on Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 for an HCAC match up with Manchester. 

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.