WHITEWATER, WI - Transylvania's 2025-26 campaign came to a close in the opening round of the 2026 NCAA Division III National Tournament, falling to host Wisconsin-Whitewater and 70-65.

Seniors Sierra Kemelgor and Keaton Hall scored the opening baskets of the evening for the Pioneers, before Raegan Barrett's lay up gave the Pioneers an 8-4 lead. Kemelgor's steal opened a fastbreak scoring opportunity for Makya Grinter that gave Transylvania a 10-7 advantage with less than five minutes remaining in the opening quarter. Grinter would score again in the closing seconds to give Transylvania the 17-15 lead entering the second quarter. Wisconsin-Whitewater opened the second with a 7-0 run to take a 22-17 advantage over the Pioneers, but consecutive field goals from Grinter and Hall would pull the Pioneers to within three. Trailing late in the second, Kemelgor would score a three-pointer to pull the Pioneers to within four, 31-27, with just over a minute remaining in the opening half. Hall would score from the free-throw line in the final minute, but Renee Rittmeyer would score in the final seconds for Wisconsin-Whitewater to create a 33-29 halftime deficit for Transylvania. 

Sierra Kemelgor opened the second half with three consecutive field goals to take a 35-33 lead for the Pioneers. Grinter would score on two fast break opportunities later in the quarter to tie the game at 39-39. Trailing by three, Riley Flinn would score from three-point range to tie the game at 42-42, but Wisconsin-Whitewater would respond with two consecutive field goals to retake the lead. Kemelgor would score on a fastbreak in the closing seconds of the third quarter to give the Pioneers a 52-49 lead entering the fourth quarter. Kemelgor would score the first field goal of the fourth quarter for Transylvania to maintain a three-point advantage. Wisconsin-Whitewater would score on three consecutive opportunities to retake the lead, but Grinter would score on a layup to stop the run. In the final two minutes, Grinter would score on another fast break to cut the Transylvania deficit to 63-58. With less than a minute remaining, Kemelgor scored on a drive to the basket to keep Transylvania within reach, 65-60, before a steal and lay up with a free-throw from Riley Flinn cut the deficit to 66-63. Grinter scored with 13 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one, 66-65. Wisconsin-Water would score at the free-throw line down the stretch, as the Pioneers fell 70-65. 

Transylvania ends the season with a 24-5 overall record, including 16-2 in the HCAC. The Pioneers captured the HCAC Regular Season Title, before winning their eighth consecutive HCAC Tournament Championship. Sierra Kemelgor and Riley Flinn were named HCAC All-Conference selections, while Raegan Barrett and Kemelgor were named to the HCAC All-Tournament team, with Kemelgor earning Tournament MVP honors. 

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