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

BLUFFTON, OHIO - Three Pioneers reached double figure scoring in a 50-45 road victory over Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent Bluffton on Saturday.

After a quick five point run to start the afternoon for Bluffton, Chloe McKnight scored first for the Pioneers in the paint, with Sadie Wurth scoring from three-point range to tie things up early in the first quarter. A steal from Wurth led to a jump shot for Sierra Kemelgor for Transylvania's first lead of the game. Wurth would score her second three-pointer of the afternoon in the final minute of the opening quarter, the Pioneers would lead 14-11 entering the second. Bluffton regained the lead to start the second quarter, but the Pioneers would find their offense as a basket from Wurth was followed by a three-point field goal from Samantha Cornelison to trim the deficit to one. Consecutive field goals from Wurth and McKnight gave the Pioneers a one point lead, but Bluffton would respond, taking a 24-23 lead into the half. 

Transylvania would start the third quarter with a lay up from McKnight and Wurth's third three-pointer of the game to regain a four point lead. Makya Grinter's fast break lay up and successful trip to the free-throw line would be followed by another three-pointer from Cornelison. In the final two minutes of the third, Cornelison would score another three-pointer, while Grinter extended the Transylvania lead to seven at the free-throw line to end the quarter. With less than six minutes remaining in the fourth, Transylvania found themselves with a one point lead. Cornelison drove to the basket for a 46-43 Pioneer lead. Bluffton responded with a basket in the paint to pull back to within one of the Pioneers. Kemelgor scored on a lay up in the paint to push the lead back to three, Reagan Barrett and Kemelgor would score from the free-throw line to secure the victory down the stretch, 50-45. 

Key Stats

- Three Pioneers scored in double figures: Sadie Wurth (13 points, four rebounds), Samantha Cornelison (11 points) and Chloe McKnight (10 points, seven rebounds).
- Transylvania outscored Bluffton in bench scoring.
- Wurth and Cornelison each scored three three-point field goals.

"Finding a way to win on the road in February is always challenging," said Head Coach Hannah Varel. "We've continued to have huge contributions off the bench that gives us a lot of depth on offense. Proud of the position we've put ourselves in with three games to go!"

Transylvania travels to Franklin College for another HCAC match up on Wednesday, February 12th at 7:00 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.