CANTON – For the first time since the 2013-2014 season, the Malone University Women's Basketball team has started the season 3-0. The Pioneers will look to continue the momentum as they face off against Slippery Rock University this weekend.

Matchup: Malone Pioneers (3-0, 0-0 GMAC) vs Slippery Rock University (2-1, 0-0 PSAC)
Where: Osborne Hall
When: 1:00 p.m.
Live Stats/Video: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/malone/
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/malone-athletics-and-the-office-of-alumni-relations-12668277512
 
Wednesday's Win over Wheeling
Robin Campbell opened things up for the Pioneers on Wednesday night with a layup less than one minute into the game – giving Malone a lead they would not lose for the rest of the night against the Cardinals.

In the second quarter, Malone went on a 12-0 run that included scores from five different Pioneers, including freshman Kelsey Swihart who started the run coming out of a media timeout. The momentum continued for the home team when Madison Hunter gave Malone their first twenty-point lead with thirty seconds remaining in the half. Campbell led the Pioneers to the halftime locker room after a three-pointer at the buzzer.

The second half continued to show favor to Malone, highlighted by the first points of the season for senior Mikayla Poole and a strong defensive showing by the Pioneers to finish the night with a 70-38 win. Malone allowed only one Wheeling player to score in double-digits. The Cardinals were held to just 24.6% shooting from the field.
 
Hardwood Series
This weekend will be the second all-time meeting between The Rock and the Pioneers. In November of 2016, Malone came from behind to win 71-69 in Osborne Hall. Five years ago, the Pioneers came back in the fourth quarter to shoot 53.3% from the field whereas they had only shot 34.7% (16-46) in the first three quarters. Throughout the game, Malone committed just nine turnovers as compared to 15 for The Rock.
 
Knowing Your Opponent
Slippery Rock University is coming into Canton with a 2-1 overall record and with the momentum of a 15-point deficit comeback win over Ursuline College on Wednesday evening in their home opener.

Graduate student, Jamiyah Johnson has begun the season as a strong offensive force, notching her third straight double-double with 26 points and 19 rebounds in the matchup against the Arrows. Its her 47^th double-double of her college career (her third at Slippery Rock).

Anyah Curd has pulled down 21 rebounds on the year so far, with 19 of them being defensive – placing her second only to Johnson on the defensive front for The Rock. Daeja Quick is another defensive force with 8 steals and a block in the first three games.
 
Looking Ahead
Malone will have its final game of the opening homestand on Wednesday November 24^th, when they welcome the Golden Eagles of Clarion University for a 2:00 p.m. tip off.