Pioneers Secure Hard Fought Home Victory against Lake Michigan

UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI – The Delta College Pioneers (7-7) protected their home court on Monday night, securing a gritty 75–67 victory. Delta established a rhythm early, jumping out to a 21-point opening frame and maintaining a consistent lead throughout the first three quarters. The Pioneers' success was rooted in a relentless transition game and a collective effort on the glass, as the team pulled down 39 rebounds and forced their opponents into 21 turnovers.

The Pioneers were led by a standout performance from Makayla Watkins, who dominated the interior to finish with a team-high 15 points and 9 rebounds. Supporting Watkins in the scoring column was Malaya Brown, who contributed 11 points while leading the defensive effort with 4 steals. Point guard Damaya Hartwick acted as the engine of the offense, dishing out a game-high 9assists to keep the Pioneers' shooters involved and the floor spaced.

The depth of the Delta roster was on full display as several players stepped up in key moments. Aya Mosley and Fiona Meisel each chipped in 9 points, with Mosley also contributing 8 rebounds to help control the pace. Aleixs Schlatter and Damaya Hartwick combined for 15 points, while the bench provided a crucial lift with 28 total points. This "next man up" mentality allowed the Pioneers to withstand a late scoring surge from the opposition and maintain their composure in the final minutes.

With this victory, Delta College moves above the .500 mark on the season, showcasing their ability to execute in high-pressure situations. The Pioneers' ability to distribute the ball, recording 14 total assists, and their discipline at the free-throw line proved to be the difference maker. The Pioneers look to continue their success heading into conference play, starting with traveling to Kirtland on January 10.