The Pioneers lost their first game of the season 56-42 at the hand of #17 Pt. Loma on Thursday. It was the opening game of the MNU Tip-Off Classic which will be in full swing on Friday and Saturday. MNU will feature games at 4, 6, and 8 on both days.
The game was close until the Sea Lions went on a 10-0 run with 13 minutes remaining in the first half. The run turned a 3-point Pt. Loma lead until a 13-point lead, and the Pioneers never recovered. In the second half, the lead hovered close to 20 as the Pioneers could not get traction offensively. The big blow came with 8 minutes remaining. MNU's
Kassidy Ritchel, who recorded a double-double on Tuesday, took an elbow to the face which knocked the forward out of the game and significantly decreased any hope the Pioneers had of a comeback. The Sea Lions protected the lead for the rest of the game, and MNU lost by 14.
Kiley Herold led the Pioneers with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals.
CJ Wesemann scored 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds and 2 steals off the bench. And Janee' Garza had a game-high 4 assists.
The Pioneers are 1-1. The next game is Saturday at home vs. University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (1-1) at 6:00.
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