NEW CONCORD, Ohio — The Marietta College women's basketball team opened Ohio Athletic Conference play with a 62-53 win over rival Muskingum University in New Concord Wednesday (Dec. 2) evening. The Pioneers improve to 7-0 overall, while Muskingum slips to 1-3 on the season.

The Pioneers used a big second quarter to take control of the game. After playing to a 13-13 tie after the first period, Marietta outscored Muskingum 26-11 in the second and led 39-24 at halftime.

The third quarter was a struggle for both teams as each scored just eight points. Freshman Corrie Burkhardt scored with 3:14 left in the quarter to put Marietta up by 15 points, 47-32. Those were the last points scored in the period.

Jo Herd-Middlebrooks drained one of her four three-pointers to give the Pioneers a 14-point lead, 57-43, with 3:33 left in the game. Muskingum scored the next seven points to get within seven, 57-50, but would get no closer.

Marietta used a balanced attack with Herd-Middlebrooks and Amisha Herd leading the way with 12 points each. Herd-Middlebrooks grabbed nine rebounds, while Herd had eight boards and a game-high five assists.

Brooke Borich chipped in with 10 points. Burkhardt finished with seven points and a game-high 10 rebounds.

Muskingum's Mallory Taylor and Jasmine Goings each tallied 13 markers and six rebounds.

For the game, Marietta shot 38.3% (23-of-60) from the floor, 33.3% (6-of-18) from three-point range and 50.0% (10-of-20) at the line. Muskingum was 17-of-67 (25.4%) from the floor, 5-of-16 (31.3%) behind the arc and 14-of-17 (82.4%) at the line.

Marietta edged the Muskies on the glass 47-43. Each team committed nine turnovers.

Marietta continues its four-game road swing on Saturday (Dec. 5) when the Pioneers play at Wilmington College. Tip off is set for 3:00 p.m.