ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Marietta College women's basketball team was defeated by the University of Mount Union, 73-66 on Saturday (Feb. 20) evening. The loss drops the Pioneers to 5-5 overall and 5-5 in Ohio Athletic Conference play, and with the win the Purple Raiders improve to 6-4 overall and 6-4 in OAC action.
"Credit Mount Union, they did a great job in the second half after we played a really solid half of basketball in the first," said Head Coach
Kole Vivian. "We will be better from this weekend."
Marietta opened the game with a quick 5-1 run that spanned the first two minutes of play. The Pioneer points were scored by
Erin Hahn (Louisville, Ohio/Louisville) and
Olivia Gribble (Irwin, Pa./Norwin). Later in the quarter, a 7-0 run from Mount Union put the Purple Raiders on top 10-8, with just under two minutes to play in the quarter. Mount Union continued to play well and took a 15-10 edge, but
Hannah Schill (Rootstown, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban) hit a three to end the quarter and the Pioneers trailed 15-13.
The second quarter was a defensive battle to start, the teams combined for seven points over the opening five minutes of play.
Jill Congrove (Circleville, Ohio/Logan Elm) and Schill scored for Marietta. After the Purple Raiders led 20-17, the Pioneers answered with a 12-2 run, that put Marietta on top 29-22 with two minutes to play in the quarter. The run was highlighted by five points from
Kate Liston (Little Hocking, Ohio/Warren Local). Marietta extended its lead to 33-24 at the intermission, behind buckets from Gribble and Hahn. The Pioneers outscored Mount Union 20-9 in the second quarter.
The Purple Raiders opened the third quarter on a 10-0 run that spanned the first three minutes of play, and put them on top 34-33. Marietta halted the run on a jumper from Gribble. The game remained tight, and the Pioneers led 42-39 behind a layup from
Kelly Levering (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy Liberty). Mount Union closed the quarter on an 11-4 run and led 50-46 to enter the final frame.
Midway through the fourth quarter the Purple Raiders held a 66-54 edge. Marietta battled back with a 10-2 run late in the fourth quarter, to cut the lead to 70-66 with under a minute to play in the game. The run was a well-rounded attack, as Gribble, Hahn,
Makenzie Wilson (Wapakoneta, Ohio/Wapakoneta), and Liston all scored for the Pioneers. Marietta could not complete the comeback and fell, 73-66.
The Pioneers were led by Hahn, she had her third double-double of the season with 13 points, and 10 rebounds. Gribble pitched in with 15 points, and a career high seven rebounds in the game. Schill added 10 points, and a team high five assists in the game.
The Pioneers will return to the hardwood Friday (Feb. 26) when they travel to Capital 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.
