DETROIT, Mich. – On Sunday afternoon, the Malone University women's basketball team closed their opening road trip with a loss to Wayne State University. 

The Pioneers trailed for the majority of the game as the Warriors maintained their early first quarter lead. However, Malone still had some valuable performances. 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Final Score: Malone University 54 – Wayne State University 66
• Records: Malone (1-1) | Wayne St. (1-1)
• Location: Wayne State Fieldhouse, Detroit, Michigan

THE GAME
The Pioneers and the Warriors would trade baskets for the first couple of minutes until Wayne State made a layup to take a 9-8 lead. Malone would trail for the remainder of the game. But of the Pioneer's ten points in the first quarter, Erin Kaufman scored eight of them.

Kaufman would score again to bring Malone within two heading into the halftime locker room. 

Wayne State would respond by scoring the first six points of the second half. On the other side of the court, the Pioneers would struggle coming out of the break, scoring just nine points as Brinn Hunt capped of the third period with one of two of the three-point buckets the Pioneers sank.

Hunt would also score on the first possession of the fourth quarter. All of Malone's 17 points in the final quarter were made from within the paint or from the charity stripe. Emma Kallas and Kyli Horn were both perfect with their free throws in the final frame and throughout the game.

DETAILS
Once again, a Pioneer was the game's leading scorer. Erin Kaufman scored 19 points and pulled down 11 total rebounds (10 of which came on the defensive end). It's her second double-double in just as many games.

Seniors Alexis Hutchison and Emma Kallas were the only other two with double-digit point values. Kallas grabbed three steals, tying a career high. 

WHAT'S NEXT
The women's basketball will have their Home Opener in Osborne Hall on Wednesday Night. Tip-off against the Griffins of Seton Hall University is set for 7pm.

FOLLOW THE PIONEERS
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Malone University athletic programs this year follow the Pioneers on Twitter and Instagram, like Malone University Athletics on Facebook or visit www.malonepioneers.com.