LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Marietta College women's basketball team lost a hard fought game to Transylvania (Ky.) University 76-72 in Lexington Saturday (Dec. 19) night. The loss drops Marietta's record to 2-6 overall while Transylvania improves 7-3. [Box Score]

Trailing 39-25 at the half, the Marietta squad would come roaring back in the second half chipping away slowly at the Transylvania lead. A Rachel Jones (Dublin, Coffman) three-pointer gave the Pioneers the lead 55-54 with 8:27 to go in regulation. The two teams traded baskets and lead changes over the next eight minutes. Transylvania finally opened the lead back up to seven, 72-65, with one minute remaining and would hold on 76-72.

Jones and freshman Aleisha Guiler (Lower Salem, Monroe Central) each scored 15 points for the Pioneers. Junior Mallory Hoff (Newport/Frontier) recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Whitney Swain (Belpre, Warren Local) and Heather Blair (Upper Arlington, Newark Catholic) each scored 10 points in the loss.

Transylvania was led by Holly Milburn with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Olivia Akridge scored 17 points while Kannae Demus added 12 in the win.

Marietta finished 29-of-67 (43.3%) from the field, 9-of-18 (50%) from behind the arc and 5-of-7 (71.4%) from the free throw line. Transylvania finished 28-of-66 (42.4%) from the field, 2-of-8 (25%) from three and 18-of-31 (58.1%) from the free throw line. Transylvania out rebounded Marietta 46-37 and won the turnover battle committing 18 to Marietta's 20.

The Pioneers will play Centre (Ky.) College Sunday (Dec. 20) afternoon at 1 p.m.