ERIE, Pa. – Glenville State's nationally ranked Women's Basketball team opened their 2023-24 season in grand fashion Friday night, defeating fellow national power Gannon in their own tournament, 74-70. The hard fought defensive tussle came down to the final seconds, and included some key stops in the final moments.

Neither team could pull away throughout the contest. GSU led 24-21 after the first quarter, and held on to lead 41-38 at the half. They were able to build the lead to seven points on different occasions in the second half, but could not deliver a knockout punch. As Gannon methodically chipped away at the deficit, the Lady Pioneers were struggling at the foul line. A Hya Haywood free throw with only eight seconds remaining sealed the issue.

GSU forced 31 Gannon turnovers, but committed 25 themselves. The Lady Pioneers were only 13-of-32 from the line (40.6%), and hit 27-of-64 from the field (42.2%). A key stat from the field was the seven three-pointers connected by Glenville, as the hosts only hit two from beyond the arc. 

The Final Stats
Glenville's balanced attack was led by Chalon Miles with 14 points, followed by Haywood with 13, and Lauren Calhoun 10. Calhoun posted a team-high nine rebounds, complemented by Dream Cherry with five. Cherry also hit two critical three-pointers. Miles also posted team highs with three assists and three steals.

Gannon was led by Andrea Maibach with 17 points and Samantha Pirosko with 13. Gannon led in team rebounding 46-36. The Golden Knights, which had already defeated two nationally ranked teams, falls to 3-1.

Up Next For The Pioneers
Glenville State carries their 1-0 record into tomorrow's contest against Clarion. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.