The Bluffton University women's basketball team traveled to Lexington on Saturday, January 22 to take on Transylvania in HCAC action. The red-hot Pioneers bolted out to a 46-25 halftime lead and held Bluffton off for an 85-43 victory. Transylvania improved to 13-4 overall and 8-2 in the conference. Bluffton slipped to 7-10 overall and 4-6 in the HCAC.

Transylvania took an early 4-0 lead with a layin from Angel Lucas and a quick bucket by Shayla Black. Freshman Kim Meyer (Millbury/Lake) responded with a triple to bring the Beavers within one at the 17:45 mark.

The Pioneer defense pressured the Beavers over the next four minutes which resulted in nine unanswered points en route to a 15-6 lead. A Kim Miller (Delphos/St. Johns) chip shot ended the offensive drought for Bluffton at the 13:56 mark of the half.

Bluffton cut the deficit to 20-15 on a tip-in by Kylee Burkholder (West Unity/Hilltop) and two freebies from Francena Tate (Fostoria/St. Wendelin). However, Transylvania responded to go ahead 35-23 with 3:52 left in the opening period.

Junior Brittany Lewis (Springfield/Shawnee) cut the deficit to 11 with a bucket 12 seconds later, but the Pioneers went on a 10-0 run for a 46-25 lead at the break.

The Pioneers came out of halftime fired up, gaining a 52-25 advantage over Bluffton before the Beavers scored their first basket of the half at the 16:02 mark.

An Olivia Akridge jumper and a bucket by Holly Milburn gave Transylvania their largest lead of the game, 67-39, with 8:07 to play. The Pioneers continued to pour it on, never giving Bluffton a chance as Transylvania pulled away for the 85-43 victory.

Kim Miller led the Beavers with nine points on 3-of-4 shooting and four rebounds. Rachel Daman (Defiance/Tinora) chipped in with seven counters and four boards. Kim Meyer and Francena Tate added six points apiece.

Bluffton hit 13-of-58 (22.4 percent) from the field, while Transylvania made 33-of-59 (55.9 percent). The Pioneers dominated the boards, 47-33, and had only 11 turnovers, compared to 17 by the Beavers.

The Bluffton University women's basketball team will resume Heartland Conference action when they host Mount St. Joseph on Wednesday, January 26. The battle between the Beavers and Lions is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Founders Hall.