CANTON – On Saturday afternoon the Malone University women's basketball team will travel to Michigan to begin a short road stint, beginning with a game against the Hillsdale College Chargers.

Matchup: Malone University Pioneers (8-5, 4-3 G-MAC) at Hillsdale College (8-5, 5-2 G-MAC)
Where: Hillsdale, Michigan | Dawn Tibbetts Potter Arena
When: Saturday, January 8 | 1:00 p.m.
Tickets: Hillsdale College Ticket Office
Live Video Stream: Great Midwest Digital Network
Live Stats: Great Midwest Digital Network

Pioneers Hold Off Findlay Comeback Attempt
In their first home game in three weeks, the Pioneers started off the night against Findlay with a layup by Kelsey Swihart and a three-pointer by Holly Groff and never relinquished their lead.

After Alexis Hutchison's layup at the 4:55 mark in the first quarter, Malone took their first double digit lead.

While Malone kept their lead throughout the night, Findlay attempted to comeback with two large runs. An end first quarter run that continued into the second quarter to give Findlay a 13-5 run shrunk the Pioneer lead to four points. Malone built up the lead again and took an eight point lead to the halftime locker room, but a late fourth quarter 13-3 Oiler run brought the game within its final one point lead for the Pioneers.

The Oilers had a chance to take the final lead when they attempted a shot from the corner with a second to go in the game, but Alexis Hutchison blocked it to secure the win.

Robin Campbell (14), Alexis Hutchison (13), and Kelsey Swihart (11) all scored in double digits for the Pioneers. Hutchison pulled down a game-high and season-high 7 rebounds, six of which were on the defensive end. Campbell dished out a game-high 7 assists.

As a team, the Pioneers forced Findlay into 21 turnovers and scored the same number of points off those turnovers on the other end of the court. They also outscored the Oilers 11-2 on fast break points.

Hardwood Series
Saturday will be the 14th all-time meetings between the Chargers and the Pioneers, with Hillsdale holding a slight 7-6 series lead. However, Malone has won the last four match ups.

The latest win for the Pioneers came in February of 2021 when they had a 78-64 home victory. Alexis Hutchison set a career-high by leading all scorers in the game with 27 points. She was 11-21 from the field and 4-8 from distance.

Robin Campbell scored 9 points, including a pair of free throws in the final seconds to help push her past the 1,000 point mark for her Pioneer career. Holly Groff scored 14 points and led the team with six assists.

Knowing Your Opponent
Hillsdale College faced Walsh University on January 6th but left North Canton with a 103-64 loss. Senior Grace Touchette led the Chargers with 16 points and four assists, shooting 60 percent from the floor. Freshman Caitlin Splain hit four three-pointers off the bench to finish with 12 points as well. Junior Sydney Mills finished with eight points, eight rebounds and two steals.

The Chargers were outrebounded 47-24 and struggled inside against the taller Cavaliers, getting outscored 56-18 in points in the paint. Despite the loss, Hillsdale is still toward the top of the conference in standing.

Looking Ahead
Malone will continue the short road stint as they travel to Columbus, Ohio for a match up against Ohio Dominican University on Thursday, January 13th. Tip-off at Alumni Hall is scheduled for 5:30 pm.