ASHLAND, Ohio. — The Malone University women's basketball team (17-13, 12-8 G-MAC) saw its season come to an end with a 77-69 loss to No. 6 Trevecca Nazarene University (19-10, 13-7 G-MAC) in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference semifinals on Friday evening, March 8.

The Pioneers fought their way into the semifinal after defeating No. 2 Kentucky Wesleyan College on Tuesday, March 5, setting up a date with the team the Pioneers beat 80-75 earlier in the season.

Malone started the game off strong, leading 7-2 out of the gate. Both the Pioneers and the Trojans took turns sharing the momentum throughout the first quarter but it was the Pioneers who held a 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter of play. In the second quarter, the Trojans went on a 10-2 run to get themselves in front before Malone jumped right back in with a run of their own to retake the lead. Trevecca Nazarene made a layup right before the buzzer to bring them within two, but Malone led 33-31 going into the break.

The Pioneers used a good third quarter to build onto their lead and a jumper by Brooklyn Troyer gave the Pioneers a six-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. However, the Trojans exploded in the final quarter of play, outscoring the Pioneers 26-12 to cement their place in the final against No. 1 Ashland University with a 77-69 victory.


Inside the Box Score

Erin Kaufman led the Pioneers with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Brinn Hunt had a great game as she also scored 17. The sophomore grabbed five rebounds as well.

Troyer added 15 points.

Aila Miller had 12 points and two rebounds.

Nataley Armstrong had six points and three assists.


What's Next

The Pioneers close the book on a great season in which they finished 17-13 overall and 12-8 in conference play. They will now look toward the 2024-2025 season.


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