Balanced play leads MC women to first hoops victory of the season

Nov. 22, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio – Fenton Court proved to be advantageous for the women's basketball team, as it defeated Westminster (Pa.), 54-37, in its home opener.

The Lady Pioneers (1-2) got solid minutes for a host of players and used a balanced attack to wear down the Lady Titans (0-3). Marietta's defensive pressure forced a season-high 29 turnovers and held Westminster to 14-of-49 (.286) from the field in the win.

Turnovers dominated the game and slowed the pace during much of the first half. Marietta, however, was able to enter intermission with a 22-20 lead.

The Lady Pioneers came out with more intensity in the second half and continued to keep the Lady Titans off balance. Marietta outscored Westminster 32-17 in the final stanza en route to the 54-37 victory.

Overall, Marietta shot 24-of-60 (.400) from the field, including 3-of-10 (.300) from long range. It also connected on 3-of-7 (.429) free throws.

Westminster won the battle of the boards, 39-35, but it could not overcome the 29 turnovers. Marietta, who had 18 turnovers of its own, finished with 14 steals.

Sophomore Abby Hess (Stow/Stow-Munroe Falls) led Marietta with 14 points, three rebounds, two steals and three blocks.

Freshman Kortney Reed (Columbus/Hilliard Davidson) added 12 points, five rebounds, five steals and six assists in the win.

Sophomore Justine Pagenhardt (Oakland, Md./Southern Garrett) battled through early foul trouble to finish with nine points and five assists.

Freshman Valerie Thomas (Hilliard/Hilliard Davidson) added a team-high nine boards to go along with six points.

Westminster was led by Emilee Akerman (Greensburg, Pa./Hempfield), who scored 14 points and had nine boards.

Marietta will look to begin a win streak at home when it hosts the 21st annual Jim Meagle Turkey Shoot Classic this weekend (Nov. 26-27). Action gets underway at 6 p.m. when the Pioneers take on the Chatham Cougars. Game two matches up Notre Dame against Ohio Wesleyan at 8 p.m.

Sophomore Abby Hess led Marietta to a victory over Westminster Tuesday

Box Score