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

LEXINGTON, KY – Transylvania defeated Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opponent Berea College at the Clive M. Beck Center on Wednesday 71-53.
Sierra Kemelgor started the action for Transylvania, scoring on a turn around jump shot, then followed with a three-point field goal two possessions later for an early 5-0 lead for the Pioneers. Chloe McKnight scored on a lay-up at the basket on an assist from Sadie Wurth. Makya Grinter's drive to the basket gave Transylvania a 14-11 lead to end the first quarter. 

The Pioneers started the second quarter with a strong offensive push. Reagan Barrett's three-pointer was followed by a steal from Grinter, leading to a fast break lay-up for Kemelgor. Kemelgor blocked a drive to the basket for Berea, forcing a turnover that led to a basket from Grinter on the next possession. Kemelgor scored on a drive into the basket, giving the Pioneers a 22-16 lead. Keaton Hall scored from three-point range to answer a run from Berea, the Pioneers led 30-26 at the half. 

McKnight started the second half with a quick basket for the Pioneers. After a quick run from Berea, Grinter's basket helped Transylvania regain a 35-34 advantage halfway through the quarter. Kemelgor scored another three-pointer to extend the lead for the Pioneers, Wurth was fouled on the following possession, scoring both free throws. Wurth followed up the next trip down the floor with her first three-point field goal of the evening, giving the Pioneers an eight point lead. Grinter led the fast break for Transylvania, passing to an open Kemelgor in the corner for another three-pointer. On the next possession, Grinter stole the ball again, leading to a fast break lay-up to extend the lead to double digits. The Pioneers defense forced another turnover for Berea, leading to a trip to the free-throw line for Grinter. Kemelgor stole the ball on the next possession, scoring on an open three-pointer moments later. Grinter scored on consecutive driving lay-ups in the final minute of the quarter, giving the Pioneers a 56-39 lead entering the fourth. 

Late in the fourth, Barrett scored on a midrange jump shot and a successful trip to the free-throw line. McClain Murphy scored on a cut to the basket with less than one minute remaining, while Grace Bruner put the finishing touches on the victory with a drive to the basket in the final minute, securing the 71-53 victory.

Key Stats

- Sierra Kemelgor led the Pioneers with 24 points, 10 rebounds and three steals.
- Makya Grinter scored 15 points and added two steals. 
- Transylvania outscored Berea in bench scoring 27-9.
- Transylvania scored 20 points off of Berea turnovers. 
- Sadie Wurth was recognized pregame for her recent career milestone of 300 assists at Transylvania. 

"Anytime you can win a game in February, it's a testament to the team's commitment to find ways to win," said Head Coach Hannah Varel. "Our team has bought into our coaching staff and what we are trying to do, I think that is a real testament to how we are performing at this point in the season."

Up next for Transylvania is a road match up with HCAC opponent Bluffton on Saturday, February 8th at 3:00 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.