Lexington, Ky. – An offensively explosive first quarter signaled the start of a dominating performance for the Transylvania women's basketball team, as it defeated the Earlham College Quakers 80-46 at the Beck Center on Wednesday night.

The Pioneers were led in scoring by sophomore guard Celia Kline, who recorded 13 points in the Transylvania victory. The double-digit performance was Kline's sixth in her last seven games.

Sophomore guard Taylor Jackson played some of her best ball of the season, as she tallied 12 points in 18 minutes of action.  In addition to shooting 2-for-4 from three-point range, Jackson also made several tough drives to the basket, and knocked down both of her tries from the free-throw line.

Also tallying double figures for the Pioneers was freshman guard Ashton Woodard, who dropped 10 points in addition to collecting four rebounds in the contest.

Transylvania controlled the game from the start as junior forward Rachel Cox knocked down a pull-up jump shot just seconds into the game, giving the Pioneers the lead for good at the 9:42 mark of the first quarter.

The Pioneers dominated the Quakers early, as they shot a blistering 7-for-11 from three-point range in the first quarter. Jackson got the hot stretch going for the Pioneers, as she dropped a pair of threes in the first four minutes of play. The offensive onslaught was capped off by a three from junior guard Sarah Ashley, taking the Transylvania lead to 28-14 over Earlham at the end of the first quarter.

Throughout the second quarter the Pioneers offense was relentless as they continued to score at will on the Quakers. The quarter was capped off by a jumper in the lane from sophomore forward Caroline Clevenger to extend the Transylvania lead to 42-21 at the half.

The second half played out much like the first as Transylvania continued to light it up from beyond the three-point arc. Because of the team's offensive prowess, head coach Juli Fulks was able to reach deep into her bench and give her starters some much deserved rest. The team cruised to a final score of 80-46 in favor of the Pioneers.

With tonight's win, Transylvania now boasts a record of 14-4 overall and 8-3 in conference play, and holds sole possession of third place in the HCAC standings. The win against Earlham is the Pioneers' ninth win in their last 10 games.

The Pioneers will look to continue their climb up the HCAC standings when they face the Anderson University Ravens on January 28 in the first game of Saturday's afternoon doubleheader. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at the Clive M. Beck Center.

For more on Transylvania women's basketball, follow their official twitter @TUWBX