CANTON, Ohio – The Malone University women's basketball team hosted Walsh University on Tuesday for the 29th Annual Mayors' Cup Game. The Pioneers were able to defend their title 70-49 to make them 19-4 overall and 13-2 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). The Cavaliers are now 8-15 overall and 3-12 in the conference. The win marks four straight for Malone after sweeping their rivals one season ago.

Malone relied on the longball early with three-point makes by Brooklyn Troyer and Kyli Horn in the opening minutes. The Pioneers were unable to hold their lead to end the first quarter, 19-17.
To start the second quarter, Malone gained a lead back from an and-one from Erin Kaufman. The Cavaliers netted a three and a layup to regain the lead. A layup off a fast break from Anna Krupa shortened Walsh's lead to end the first half, 37-35.

The Cavaliers shot 65.2% (15-of-23) in the first two quarters of play, but both teams struggled to take care of the basketball with 15 turnovers each. Each team made five attempts from distance.

Malone came out the second half five straight points from Brinn Hunt. These two baskets put the Pioneers in the lead to finish the game. Malone held the Cavaliers to only three points in the third quarter to help to boost their lead. The defense was able to hold Walsh scoreless for over nine minutes to start the second half and 1-for-13 from the field.

In the fourth quarter, the Pioneers were able to hold their lead in double figures to make the final score 70-49. It was a lopsided period as well, 17-9 in favor of the home squad. Walsh was contained to just 4-of-22 from the field and 0-for-7 from deep.

Kaufman was able to get a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Abbey Price was a big contributor with 14 points. Price and Kylee Bruce had three steals apiece. Malone won in points off turnovers, 31-23 and fast break points, 16-7.

The Pioneers travel to #8 Ashland University for their second matchup of the season on Thursday, February 13 with a tip-off at 5:30 P.M.