LEXINGTON, Ky. – On Saturday, February 24
th your #3 seed Mount St. Joseph University women's basketball team traveled to Transylvania University to take on the #1 seed Pioneers in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship. The Lions battled out of the gate but the Pioneers were able to settle in before halftime holding a 21-point lead. In the second half, the Lions struggled to start but ended with a solid fourth quarter. The Lions final quarter wasn't enough to close the gap falling to Transylvania 74-46 in the HCAC Championship.
To begin play, the Lions looked eager offensively. A pair of buckets from
Morgan Jenkins and a three-pointer from
Ellie Oldendick gave the Lions an 11-10 advantage. But, the Pioneers would answer with a huge run taking a 29-13 lead to end the quarter. In the second, the Lions offense was able to bounce back but not enough to cut into the Pioneers lead. After two quarters of play, the Lions trailed Transylvania 49-28.
In the second half, defense was a priority for both squads. Both offenses slowed down in the second half as only 15 points total were scored in the third quarter. In the fourth, the Lions showed some fight. Freshman
Whitney Warfel and Haley Guingrich looked good in the quarter combining for ten points. But, as the final whistle blew the Lions fell short versus the #2 team in the country and defending National Champions, the Pioneers of Transylvania 74-46.
Morgan Jenkins led the way offensively for the Lions. Jenkins finished with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Madison Drummonds also had a solid game finishing with 6 points and 7 rebounds.
Chloe Jansen did a little of everything in her last game as a Lion finishing with 4 points, 4 assists and 2 rebounds. Senior
Ellie Oldendick also looked solid in her last career game finishing with 6 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist while shooting 2-4 from beyond the arc.
Representing the Lions on the All-Tournament team was Jenkins and Mills. Over three games Jenkins averaged 11.7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.7 blocks per game while Mills averaged 10 points, 2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
The Lions under Head Coach
Maisie Elston put together a historic season finishing with a 22-6 record (14-4 HCAC). Coach Elston graduates just three Seniors as the future remains extremely bright for the MSJ Women's Basketball program.
