MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College women's basketball team earned a 79-64 win over Capital University, on Senior Night inside Ban Johnson Arena. The win improves the Pioneers record to 6-5 overall and 6-5 in the Ohio Athletic Conference, and with the loss the Crusaders fall to 4-5 overall and 4-5 in OAC play.
Head Coach
Kole Vivian said, "Really happy for our seniors. They have done a great job these last four years, so for us to get a win on Senior Night win and have them make a shot, that's pretty special."
Bailee Brooks (Akron, Ohio/Cuyahoga Falls) scored the opening bucket for Marietta and the game was tied at 2-2, less than a minute in. After the score was 6-5 in favor of Capital, the Crusaders went on an 11-2 run that put them on top 17-7, with just under four minutes to play in the quarter. The Pioneers battled back with an 10-0 run that tied the game at 17-17, with just over a minute to play in the quarter. The run was sparked by
Hannah Kroft (Marietta, Ohio/Marietta), she scored six points, and the run was capped by
Jordyn Kiser (Dover, Ohio/Dover) at the foul line. Marietta entered the second quarter behind, 22-19.
The game remained a two point lead for Capital at 25-23 early in the quarter, with Pioneer baskets by
Makenzie Wilson (Wapakoneta, Ohio/Wapakoneta), and Kroft. The Crusaders went on a 7-0 run to take a 32-23 edge at the 6:24 minute mark of the quarter. Marietta instantly answered with a 13-0 run, which put the Pioneers on top 36-32, with under three minutes to play in the quarter. Kroft,
Camille Cummins (MIddlefield, Ohio/Cardinal), Wilson,
Ellen Vichill (Olmsted Falls, Ohio/St. Joseph Academy), Hannah Scill, and
Madison Cecil (Centerburg, Ohio/Highland) all scored during the run. Marietta entered the intermission ahead, 38-34.
The Pioneers opened the third quarter on a 7-2 run, to extend a 45-36 edge. The run was sparked by four points from
Luce Duritza (Pittsburgh, Pa./Shaler Area), and capped by a three from Vichill. Later in the quarter, Marietta held a 46-42 edge. The Pioneers opened a quick 8-0 run, with a layup from Kroft, and a pair of three pointers from
Kate Liston (Little Hocking, Ohio/Warren Local), and Schill, to put Marietta on top 54-42. The Pioneers entered the final frame ahead, 59-47.
The fourth quarter opened as a back and forth battle, with each team scoring 11 points in the first five minutes of play, and Marietta held a 70-58 advantage. The Pioneers never let Capital back into the game, and won 79-64. Foul shots from Cecil, and Hahn helped put the game away, and
Katie McIlroy (Circleville, Ohio/Circleville) hit a late three to seal the win.
Marietta was led by Kroft, she had a career high in points with 18, and pulled down two rebounds. Schill pitched in with 14 points, and grabbed five rebounds. Vichill capped her Career in the BanJo, with career highs in points with 10, rebounds with five, and assists with four.
Marietta return to the court on Saturday (Feb. 27) for the regular season finale at Capital University, with tip off scheduled for 6 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.
