CANTON, Ohio -- On Friday night the Malone University women's basketball team welcomed The University of Indianapolis for their season opener. The game was close for the first three quarters of the game, but the Pioneers eventually pulled away in the forth quarter to an 79-64 victory.

The win starts Malone off on a great start to their season.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Taylor Dury scored a three-pointer shot that gave the Greyhounds a 5-0 lead at 08:48 in the first quarter.

Alexis Hutchinson's made layup put the Pioneers up 8-7 at 05:04 in the first quarter.

Liz Alsot's layup helped Indianapolis to take back the lead 24-18 at 08:55 in the second quarter. 

Nikki Weber's made free throw attempt allowed Malone to gain back a 39-34 lead going into halftime.

Ilani Williams-Harris's layup inside the paint gave the Greyhounds a 48-43 lead at 03:42 in the third quarter.

Holly Groff knocks down a jumper at 09:04 that gives Malone a 57-56 lead at 09:04 in the fourth quarter.

Alexis Hutchinson knocks down a pair of free throws that gives Malone a 77-64 lead with 25 seconds left in the game.

Malone pulled away after a series of free throws at the end of the fourth quarter and won the game 79-64.


PIONEER POINTS

• As a team Malone went 30-57 from the field for a 52.6 field goal percentage. The Pioneers were 8-20 from beyond the three-point arc and 11-12 from the free throw line. 

• On the defensive end Malone held Indianapolis to a 46.3 field goal percentage. The Greyhounds were 3-16 from the three-point line and 11-12 from the free throw line.

• Holly Groff led the scoring effort for the Pioneers with a team-high 32 points. She was 5-9 from beyond the arc and 5-5 from the foul line.

• Alexis Hutchinson posted 14 points with a team-high 4 steals.

• Malone outscored Indianapolis 26-17 on points off of turnovers. The Pioneers also had a 19-8 advantage on fastbreak points.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pioneers will host the Lindenwood University Lions tomorrow afternoon. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.