WILMINGTON, Ohio — Marietta College defeated Wilmington College by the score of 55-39 Saturday (Feb. 12) afternoon in Ohio Athletic Conference women's basketball action. The Pioneers improve to 19-4 overall and 12-4 in the OAC. Wilmington slips to 7-15 on the season and 3-11 in the OAC.
"It wasn't the prettiest game, but anytime you can leave Wilmington with a win, you'll take it," Marietta head coach Kole Vivian said. "We have some work to do with our offense, but I really like how we are being detailed on the defensive end."
The first quarter was marked by scoring streaks from both teams. Wilmington scored the first seven points of the game. Kennedy Lewis and Haley Cook hit jumpers and Mackenzie Campbell nailed a three-pointer.
Marietta answered with nine straight points. Erin Hahn got Marietta on the board with a bucket followed by a three-pointer from Olivia Gribble. Hannah Schill and Devin Hefner each added a basket for a 97-7 Pioneer lead with 3:27 left in the first quarter.
A triple from Brooke Davis tied the game at 15-15 with less than a minute on the clock. Marietta scored the final four points of the quarter on a pair of free throws from Jill Congrove and a jumper from Hefner. The Pioneers led 19-15 heading into the second quarter.
The Pioneers gradually extended the lead in the second period. Marietta ended the quarter on an 8-0 run to take a 37-22 lead into halftime. Three-pointers from Schill and Hahn sparked the late run.
The Quakers got no closer than 14 points in the second half. Marietta's defense kept Wilmington from making any sustained runs in the half as the Pioneers held Wilmington to eight points in the third quarter and nine in the fourth.
Hefner was the lone Pioneer in double figures with 10 points. She grabbed five rebounds and had a pair of steals. Gribble scored nine points, while Schill and Kelly Levering chipped in with eight points each. Levering pulled down five rebounds. Hahn, Mackenzie Wilson and Camille Cummins each had seven boards in the game.
Jaylah Captain led Wilmington with nine points. Lewis and Haley Cook added six points and five rebounds each. Cook blocked five Pioneer shots.
Marietta plays at Capital University on Wednesday (Feb. 16). Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.