Pioneers Split at Lakeland Tournament

Kirtland, OH – The Delta College women's basketball team traveled to Kirtland on Friday to take part in the Lakeland Community College Invitational where they finished 1-1 after dropping their first game Friday before following up with a win on Saturday. The split leaves the Pioneers at 1-2 on the young season.

Against Rock Valley Community College, currently ranked #2 in the country in NJCAA Division III, the Pioneers found themselves down five after the first quarter before taking a three-point lead into the locker room with them at the half. Both Ashley Lee and Alexis Sanch turned up the intensity for Delta, forcing numerous turnovers and transitioning them into easy scoring opportunities for their teammates.

The third quarter saw Rock Valley use their inside game presence to regain the lead after three quarters, 54-48. From there, the Golden Eagles from Rockford, Illinois never trailed again and won the contest by the final of 76-67.

"Ashlee and Alexis played hard defensively and it was their hard work that helped us in the open court," said head coach Kelly Miller. "It showed us some of the things we will be able to do as the season grows. Our struggles in the half court show us what we have to get better at."

Delta was led by Jenna Szostak with 15 points followed by freshman Harmany Williams with 13 points and nine rebounds.

"We battled hard till the end and kept ourselves in position to win the game."  Both of Delta's losses on the year have been at the hands of ranked opponents.

On Saturday, Delta faced off against the University of Pittsburgh-Titusville and started out with an impressive first quarter taking a 24-11 lead. Using pressure defense and forcing turnovers for easy buckets, the Pioneers held a 23-point halftime lead, 47-24, and never looked back for a 91-43 victory.

"It felt to get a win under our belt," said Miller. "All the girls played and played well."

Szostak once again led the offense with 21 points and 7 rebounds, allowing her to be named to the All-Tournament team. Brianna Herner also contributed offensively for DC with 14 points.

"Having the games to leading scorers come off the bench gave us an added boost with is great for confidence and makes it tough for our opponent to adjust."

The Lady Pioneers have two days to get in the gym to prepare for what will be another road test on Wednesday when they travel to Lansing Community College.

"Road games help us discover where we are as players when faced with adversity and this weekend many of our girls showed great resolve and determination," said Miller.