Dalton Christopher
Assistant Athletic Director - Communications & Media
dchristopher@transy.edu

FRANKLIN, IN - Transylvania University defeated Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent Franklin College 66-50 on Wednesday, earning their eleventh straight victory and claiming the HCAC Regular Season Championship in the process. 

Emilie Teall started the offense for Transylvania, scoring a three-pointer in the opening two minutes of the evening. Moments later, Sierra Kemelgor added a three-pointer of her own to give the Pioneers a quick 6-0 start. Franklin would respond and take a one point lead, but Samantha Cornelison's three-pointer would put the Pioneers back in the lead with 03:34 left in the first quarter. Sadie Wurth would score on a drive to the basket, followed by a tip-in by Kemelgor on the next possession. Entering the second quarter with a four point lead, a basket in the paint from Chloe McKnight and a fast break lay-up from Makya Grinter would start the quarter. Transylvania would continue to work in the paint as Reagan Barrett's jumper in the post would extend the lead to seven. The Pioneers would carry a 30-25 lead into the halftime break. 

McKnight would open the third quarter with consecutive baskets in the paint, followed by a driving lay-up by Kemelgor to extend to a double digit lead. Cornelison would score her second three-pointer of the evening to give the Pioneers a 42-29 lead. The offense would continue in the third quarter, as Teall would score her second three-pointer, followed by another field goal from McKnight. Riley Flinn would score on a lay-up in the final seconds of the third quarter to give Transylvania a 17 point lead entering the fourth quarter. Aubree Littlejohn connected from three-point range to start the fourth quarter for the Pioneers. After a run from Franklin, the Pioneers would regain their double digit advantage courtesy of another field goal in the paint from Flinn. With less than two minutes remaining, Barrett would score her first three-pointer of the evening, while McKnight scored in the post to secure a 66-50 victory. 

The win secures a fourth consecutive HCAC Regular Season Championship for Transylvania.

Key Stats

- Sierra Kemelgor (17 points, 10 rebounds) scored a double double to lead the Pioneers. 
- Transylvania controlled the post, outscoring Franklin 38-20 in the paint. 
- The Pioneers outscored Franklin in bench scoring and second chance opportunities. 
- Transylvania's defensive effort shined, as Franklin turned the ball over 14 times, while the Pioneers recorded nine steals. 

"I'm most proud of holding a very talented team to only three offensive rebounds," said Head Coach Hannah Varel. "While this is only one step towards our ultimate goal, winning the regular season conference championship and getting to host the next few weeks is an unbelievable accomplishment for this group and a testament to their continued effort. I couldn't be more proud of the growth we have had this year!"

Up Next

Transylvania hosts Mount St. Joseph at the Clive M. Beck Center on Saturday, February 15th at 1:00 p.m. The Pioneers will celebrate Senior Day during the event. 

Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www.transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.