CANTON, Ohio – The Malone University women's basketball team opened their home portion of the season on Friday afternoon as they hosted the Lake Superior State Lakers. The Pioneers continued to roll as they held off a late Laker comeback attempt and secured the win via a 62-54 final. 
 
The Pioneers were led by Brooklyn Troyer and Erin Kaufman who each contributed 11 points on the day. They were followed by Aila Miller with 9 points while Abbey Price and Brinn Hunt had 8 a piece in what was a total team effort. 
 
The Pioneers started off strong as Troyer splashed an early three on the opening possession of the game. Following a run of early baskets the Lakers led 7-5 after three minutes of action. A pair of Miller free throws gave the Pioneers the lead, a lead they would not surrender for the rest of the contest. Complementary basketball saw the Pioneers take a 19-12 advantage after the first. 

Malone dominated the second quarter defensively as they held the Lakers to just 5 total points. Lake Superior State hit a three ball at the 5:57 mark, this would be their final bucket of the half. Malone forced four turnovers over those final six minutes, they additionally rejected a pair of Laker attempts. The Pioneers led 30-17 at the half.

Lake Superior State needed a spark out of the halftime break, but they were unable to find it. Malone stayed hot and stretched their lead out to 51-30 at the end of the third quarter. 

In the fourth, the bench unit rolled in for the Pioneers which gave the Lakers hope as they managed to knock down shot after shot, nearly doubling their total for the game as they put up 24 in the final period. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Pioneers clamped down to put out any hope of a comeback as they secured the 62-54 win. Malone's defense was key as they held a 14-4 edge on steals and 5-0 edge on blocks. 
 
Up next, Malone will travel to Fairmont, West Virginia to take on the Fairmont State University Falcons on Wednesday, November 20th. Opening tip is slated for 5:30 P.M.