MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's basketball team secured a 58-50 win over Ohio Northern University Saturday (Feb. 8) afternoon inside Ban Johnson Arena. The win improves the Pioneers to 11-10 overall and 7-7 in Ohio Athletic Conference play, and the loss drops the Polar Bears to 15-6 overall and 9-5 in the OAC.
Alexis Enochs (Beverly, Ohio/Fort Frye) reached the 1,000 point plateau midway through the third quarter on a baseline jumper. Enochs became the 13th member in women's basketball program history to reach the 1,000 point milestone. "I am so happy for Alexis getting her 1,000th point this weekend in front of that crowd," said Head Coach
Kole Vivian. "She has meant so much to our team over the past four years and for her to score her 1,000th point during Winter Weekend against a great team like Ohio Northern is a fairy tale."
"I am really proud of our effort today. Our rebounding and defense was much improved from when we played them three weeks ago. Bailee did an unbelievable job running the team, Luce was incredible off the bench, and Jill made two huge three's when we really needed them," said coach Vivian.
The teams traded baskets through the opening five minutes of the game, as the lead changed hands six times and Ohio Northern led 10-9 at the 5:12 mark of the opening quarter. The early offense was well rounded as
Devin Hefner (Parkersburg, W.Va./Parkersburg South),
Jill Congrove (Circleville, Ohio/Logan Elm), and
Camille Cummins (MIddlefield, Ohio/Cardinal) all scored for Marietta. The teams battled for the remainder of the quarter, and the Polar Bears maintained a 13-11 edge to enter the second frame.
The second quarter got off to a slow start, as Ohio Northern held a 19-13 edge four minutes into the quarter. The Pioneers got the offense rolling behind an 8-0 run that put them on top, 23-19. The run was highlighted by back to back three pointers from
Bailee Brooks (Akron, Ohio/Cuyahoga Falls), and Enochs. Marietta held its lead at the intermission, and led 25-21 at the half.
In the middle of the third quarter the Pioneers went on a 10-2 run that saw their lead swell to 39-27 with five minutes to play in the quarter. The run was highlighted by a pair of baskets from Enochs. Enochs second basket of the run earned her 1,000 career points. The Polar Bears trimmed the lead to single digits, but Marietta entered the final frame ahead, 46-39.
The fourth quarter saw the teams trade baskets for the opening six minutes of play and the Pioneers maintained a 53-47 advantage. Ohio Northern could not get closer than seven points, and a bucket from Duritza, and a pair of foul shots from
Marlo Taylor (Kimbolton, Ohio/Cambridge) put the game away. Marietta won the game, 58-50.
The Pioneers were led by Enochs as she has 10 points, seven rebounds, and a game high four steals. Brooks pitched in with 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists in the game. Duritza added 10 points, four rebounds, and a pair of blocks.
Marietta will return to the court Wednesday (Feb. 12) when they travel to take on the University of Mount Union, with tip off scheduled for 7 p.m.
Fans can follow all of the Pioneer teams all year long at
pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at
facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on Twitter and Instagram.
