Hadleigh Meek's career-high 23 points led the Pioneers in a big 85-78 victory at Avila on Thursday. The winner of this game would take sole position of 4th place in the conference. MNU jumped out to a 9-point lead after 5 minutes and extended it to 13 points late in the first half. But Avila went on a 21-3 run to close the period to take a 5-point lead into the locker room. The Pioneers righted the ship in the second half and took control of the game with a 15-3 run at the 10 minute mark. MNU kept a 3-possession lead for most of the half, and Meek sealed the game with several late free throws. Had Meek's points only come from free throws, she still would've achieved a career high. She was 16-18 from the line.
Meek had 23 points and 2 steals.
Kristin Malone also had a career-high with 18 points.
Bethany Rexroth had 17 points and 5 rebounds.
Lindsey Sprague came off the bench to score 11 points.
Heather Cunard had 8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. And
Beth Keeley had a game-high 7 assists and 3 steals.
The Pioneers are 12-9 (7-4 HAAC). The next game is Thursday the 4th at Benedictine (12-8, 7-4) at 5:30.