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

LEXINGTON, KY - Three Pioneers reached double digit scoring in a 62-47 victory over Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent Anderson University on Saturday at the Clive M. Beck Center. 

The Pioneers opened the first quarter with an impressive offensive start, Sadie Wurth's three-point field goal opened up an 11-6 lead in the first. Chloe McKnight made a strong impression in the first quarter, grabbing an offensive rebound and earning a trip to the free-throw line to extend the Transylvania lead, followed by a lay up at the basket moments later. Wurth's free throws at the end of the first helped Transylvania hold a 17-16 advantage entering the second. Wurth would continue her offensive performance in the second, following a lay up from Makya Grinter, Wurth scored back to back baskets, including another three-pointer, to give the Pioneers a 24-18 lead. The Pioneers would continue their strong start as Reagan Barrett would score consecutive baskets within a thirty second stretch and Grinter would steal the ball at half court to drive in another Pioneer basket for a 30-18 advantage. Transylvania led 33-18 at the half. 

Sierra Kemelgor and Chloe McKnight opened the second half with consecutive baskets in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Emilie Teall's field goal in the post, followed by a trip to the free throw line, would help Transylvania continue to build on their lead. McKnight opened the fourth quarter with three consecutive baskets in the paint to extend a double digit Pioneer lead. With less than three minutes remaining, Wurth would force the turnover to lead to a fast break basket from Kemelgor to extend the Pioneer lead to 21, the largest of the afternoon. Transylvania would earn the 62-47 victory, improving to 7-5 on the season.

Key Stats

- Three Pioneers reached double figure scoring: Sadie Wurth (18 points, 7 rebounds), Chloe McKnight (17 points, 7 rebounds), Sierra Kemelgor (10 points, 10 rebounds)
- Transylvania outscored Anderson 40-22 in the paint. 
- Transylvania recorded eight steals. 
- Transylvania's defense was a strong factor in the second quarter, holding Anderson to zero field goals in the quarter (0-13 FG)

"Anytime our defense gives up two points in a quarter and zero field goals made, it puts us in a very good position," said Head Coach Hannah Varel post game. "We made a very strong effort this week in practice to work on dominating the boards and we had 27 offensive rebounds on 48 missed shots, over fifty percent for us, gives us a lot of second chance opportunities."

Transylvania returns to HCAC competition on Wednesday, January 8th as they travel to take on Hanover at 7 p.m.

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.