MARIETTA, Ohio — The Marietta College women's basketball closed out the home portion of their schedule with a complete victory over Heidelberg University.  Every Pioneer got into the scoring column as they cruised to victory over the Student Princes, 102-67.  Win the win, the Pioneers improved to 12-12 overall and 7-8 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. With the loss, Heidelberg fell to 1-21 overall and 0-14 in the OAC. 

"I thought we had a great performance overall," said Marietta head coach Jenna Andersen. "We got out to a great start and never let up.  The only thing that I wish we could have done better is win the rebounding battle. Very proud of the effort we put in today." 
 
Before the game, the Pioneers celebrated Senior Day.  Morgan Dixon (Fairfield Township, Ohio/Badin) and Sophie Nelson (Parkersburg, W.Va./Ritchie County) all participated in their final regular season game and were all recognized for their great careers.
 
"We have an awesome couple of seniors," said Andersen of her seniors. "Morgan was just cleared to play recently.  I glad she could take part in her Senior day and get us our 100th point.  That was special.  Sophie was big today, too.  She is a great shooter and it showed today."
 
The Pioneers started strong with layups from Nelson and Amelia Uhrig (Chillicothe, Ohio/Unioto), but Heidelberg answered with a pair of layups from Tori See to grab a 6-5 lead. Both teams would trade baskets for the next several minutes, but the Pioneers would take control with a 20-2 run.  Ava Heller (Thornville, Ohio/Sheridan) providing eight of those points during the run and Emma Rasmussen (Wadsworth, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban) hit a big three-pointer from the corner. The Pioneers got one more trey before the end of the period as Urhig hit from the perimeter and the Pioneers led 34-19 at the end of the first quarter.
 
The Pioneers continued to surge in the second period, outscoring the Student Princes 20-3 in the first six minutes, shooting over 70% from the field during the run.  Kelsey Harlan (Sardis, Ohio/River) got the quarter started with a layup.  Abby Garner (Macedonia, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit) and Peyten Bruns scored on tough driving layups.  TJ Carpenter (Jackson, Ohio/Jackson) scored four straight point to fuel the run.  Later in the period, Madison Lynn (Vincent, Ohio/Warren) nailed a three pointer and Ella McMillen (Shreve, Ohio/West Holmes) scored from the paint to extend the Pioneer lead to 63-32 going into the intermission.

Heidelberg got a couple of buckets to begin the third quarter, but the Pioneers simply would not let up on the pressure.  After Uhrig and Carpenter answered with a pair of scores, Nelson then hit a pair of three pointers and Marietta was on their way to another run.  Later in the period, Tess Trimble (Maineville, Ohio/Little Miami) went 4-for-4 from the line, Aleigha Busse (Blue Rock, Ohio/Philo) scored on a driving layup, and Callie Powell (St. Marys, W.Va./St. Marys) converted on a pair of free throws to set the lead at 38.  Marietta got one final score from Kayla Peterson (Independence, Ky./Scott) took a 88-50 lead going into the final period.
 
The biggest highlight of the fourth quarter was Dixon going to the line and delivering Marietta's 100th point of the game, which got every Pioneer in the scorebook.  Although Heidelberg outscored the Pioneer in the final period, 17-14, they just could not overcome the difference.  The Pioneer cruised to a 102-67 victory.

Uhrig led Marietta with 15 points.  Heller finished with 12 points.  Nelson and Lynn scored 11 points apiece.  McMillen led with six rebounds. Sarah Podkul (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield Area) came off the bench to lead with four assists and also collected four steals. 
 
See paced the Student Princes with a game-high 18 points

Marietta will close out the regular season on the road as they will battle Ohio Northern this Saturday (Feb. 21), with a scheduled 4 p.m. tip-off.

Fans can follow all 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 X and Instagram.