Matthew Welsh
Contributing Writer


LEXINGTON, KY — Transylvania won the 2026 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship, defeating Franklin 85–51 at the Clive M. Beck Center. The victory secured Transylvania the HCAC automatic qualifier into the 2026 NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament. With Saturday's win, the Pioneers claimed their eighth straight HCAC title dating back to 2019.

A balanced offensive effort carried Transylvania, with five players scoring in double figures. Mackenzie Lombardi led the way with 15 points, while seniors Sierra Kemelgor and Makya Grinter both turned in strong performances in their final game at the Beck Center. Kemelgor finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, earning HCAC Tournament MVP honors. Grinter added 11 points in the victory.

Transylvania opened the game on an 11–0 run behind crisp ball movement and pressure defense. Franklin closed the margin slightly, but the Pioneers maintained a 16–10 lead after the first quarter. The Pioneers quickly rebuilt a double-digit advantage to start the second period and stretched the lead to 31–16 entering the final five minutes of the half. A key three-pointer from Lombardi helped push the margin to 19, and Transylvania closed the half allowing just 25 points. Lombardi led all scorers at halftime with 12.

Franklin opened the third quarter with a 7–6 spurt, but Transylvania responded immediately. Seven straight points from Raegan Barrett, including a three-pointer, extended the lead back to 18. A layup from Kemelgor at the 3:33 mark pushed the advantage to 58–34, the largest of the night to that point. Moments later, another Lombardi three stretched the margin to 30. The Pioneers carried a 66–37 lead into the fourth quarter and closed out the championship with a 19–14 scoring edge in the final frame.

Transylvania shot 52.5 percent from the floor and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc in the win.

Key Stats

– Rebounds: Transylvania 42, Franklin 35

– Bench Points: Transylvania 31, Franklin 20

– Points off Turnovers: Transylvania 26, Franklin 13

– Points in the Paint: Transylvania 40, Franklin 16

– Fastbreak Points: Transylvania 12, Franklin 4

Stay tuned to TransySports.com for updates on the 2026 NCAA National Tournament. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Stay updated at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.