MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's basketball team was victorious over Baldwin Wallace University, 67-61 on Saturday (Jan. 30) evening inside Ban Johnson Arena. The win pushes the Pioneers record to 2-2 overall and 2-2 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) action, and the loss drops the Yellow Jackets to 3-1 overall and 3-1 in the OAC.
"Another classic game between Baldwin Wallace and us. I am so proud that we took another huge step today with our team," said Head Coach
Kole Vivian. "Our bench was phenomenal, they gave us so much energy. I am so happy Kate Liston was able to play a huge role in the win, and Mackenzie Wilson was unbelievable in giving us a boost."
The game started as a back and forth battle, as the lead changed hands seven times in the first five minutes of play, and Baldwin Wallace held a 10-8 edge. The early Marietta offense was sparked by a pair of three pointers from
Bailee Brooks (Akron, Ohio/Cuyahoga Falls), and
Erin Hahn (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville). Later in the first quarter, the Yellow Jackets went on a 9-0 run that put them on top, 20-10 with just over a minute to play in the opening frame. Hahn scored the final four points of the quarter at the foul line, but the Pioneers trailed 20-14 to enter the second quarter.
Marietta opened the second quarter with five consecutive points, and cut the lead to 20-19 behind a three from
Kelly Levering (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty). Baldwin Wallace answered with a 10-0 run that spanned two minutes of action, and put them on top 30-19. Over the final four minutes of the half, the Pioneers outscored the Yellow Jackets 7-1, but entered the intermission behind 31-26. The late second quarter offense came from Mackenzie Wilson, Brooks,
Hannah Schill (Rootstown, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban), and Hahn.
After a pair of Baldwin Wallace free throws opened the third quarter scoring, Marietta answered with an 11-1 run, that saw them grab a 37-34 lead with just under five minutes to play in the quarter.
Olivia Gribble (Irwin, Pa./Norwin) got the run started with a three pointer, and the run was capped off by Wilson at the foul line. After a couple of minutes of back and forth action, the Pioneers ended the quarter on a 7-1 run, and led 47-40 to enter the final frame. The run was sparked by five points from Brooks.
The Yellow Jackets started the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run, and regained a 51-49 edge at the 6:20 minute mark of the quarter. Marietta immediately answered with an 8-0 run that put the Pioneers back on top, 57-51 with four minutes to play in the game. The run was highlighted by foul shooting, as Hahn knocked down a pair, and
Kate Liston (Little Hocking, Ohio/Warren Local) poured in four free throws. Baldwin Wallace rattled off nine straight points, to retake a 60-57 lead, with under two minutes to play in the game. Marietta closed the game on a 10-1 run, and won 67-61. The run was sparked by foul shooting, the Pioneers converted all eight of their foul shots in the final minute of play to ice the game.
Marietta was led by Hahn, she notched her first career double-double with career highs in both points and rebounds at 17 and 12 respectively. Brooks added 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Liston pitched in with 11 points, and four rebounds. Wilson notched a career high in points with 10. The Pioneers as a team converted on 26 of their 27 foul shots in the game.
Marietta will return to the court Friday (Feb. 5th) when they travel to take on Muskingum University, 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.
