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

LEXINGTON, KY - Transylvania University closed the 2024-25 regular season with their thirteenth straight victory, defeating Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent Hanover College 74-66 on Tuesday. 

Transylvania battled with Hanover throughout the first half, as both teams exchanged brief runs leading to a 31-27 halftime lead for the Pioneers, but the action truly picked up in the second half. Hanover cut their deficit to two within the opening two minutes of the third quarter, before Riley Flinn scored on a jump shot in the post. On the next two offensive possessions for Transylvania, Sadie Wurth and Sierra Kemelgor scored in the paint to extend the Transylvania lead to six. Hanover's Grace Bezold would respond with back to back baskets to bring Hanover to back within two of the Pioneers. After Hanover tied the score, Chloe McKnight scored to regain the lead for the Pioneers in the final two minutes of the quarter, but Hanover would respond with consecutive baskets in the final minute of the quarter to take a 44-41 lead entering the fourth quarter. 

After Hanover scored to start the fourth quarter, Keaton Hall scored for the Pioneers on a tip-in basket. On the next offensive possession for Transylvania, Samantha Cornelison scored a three-point field goal through contact to complete a four point play at the free-throw line, tying the game at 47-47. Cornelison and McKnight would score on consecutive possessions to retake a three point lead for the Pioneers, but Hanover would respond on a trip to the free-throw line, leaving the score tied at 52-52 with less than six minutes remaining in the game. Transylvania would find another critical basket from Samantha Cornelison, another three-pointer, that would send the Pioneer fans in attendance to their feet as Transylvania regained the lead. Moments later, Transylvania would find consecutive three-pointers from Kemelgor and Wurth to take a six point lead. With under a minute remaining and leading by six, Transylvania would secure their lead with free throws from Flinn and Cornelison, earning a 74-66 victory in the process. Transylvania scored 33 points in the final quarter. 

Key Stats

- Transylvania had four players in double figures: Samantha Cornelison (18 points), Riley Flinn (17 points, 13 rebounds), Sadie Wurth (16 points, five rebounds) and Sierra Kemelgor (13 points)
- Transylvania outscored Hanover in second chance opportunities and bench scoring.

"We continue to have different people step up in big moments when we need it," said Head Coach Hannah Varel after the win. "I am so proud of our commitment to each other these past three months of the regular season. The journey to our ultimate goal starts now!"

Transylvania will be the top seed in the 2025 HCAC Conference Tournament and will host the #8 seed on Saturday at the Clive M. Beck Center. Stay tuned to TransySports.com for updates about the 2025 HCAC Women's Basketball Conference Tournament. 

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.