The Marietta College women's basketball team overcame an early 10-point deficit to defeat Wittenberg University (Ohio), 65-50, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Friday at Hope College

The Pioneers (22-5) advanced to the second round for the first round in team history. They will face second-ranked Hope College (26-1), an 86-54 first-round winner against La Roche (Pa) University in Friday's second game. Tipoff is 7 p.m.

Marietta outscored Wittenberg by an 36-20 margin after halftime.

Guard Olivia Gribble led the Pioneers with 15 points on 5-of-6 3-point shooting. The Pioneers also received 13 points off the bench from Devin Hefner and 10 points from starting forward Erin Hahn.

Wittenberg (18-8) jumped out to a 20-10 lead in the first quarter on 53.6 shooting from the field. 

The Tigers finished the game shooting 28.6 percent. Kristie Kallas led Wittenberg with 14 points. Samie Brar added 10 points.