The women’s basketball team continued their tough non-conference schedule over Thanksgiving break, taking an “L” from two more nationally ranked teams.

The Pioneers spent the first weekend of break in Marian, Indiana at the Marian Classic, first against No. 14 St. Francis on Friday, and then against the hosting No. 4 Marian University on Saturday.

Friday’s game proved no easy task for the Pioneers in a matchup with the third ranked team they had played in their preseason.

The Pioneers were even with St. Francis through the first quarter, down only 14-12 after the first 10 minutes, but the Cougars started the second quarter with an 8-0 run to put them up by 10. St. Francis kept up the offense and defeated Point Park 70-47.

The Cougars topped Point Park in every aspect on the stat sheet, leading in rebounds 45-39, shooting 10 percent higher than the Pioneers and won the turnover margin plus-6, turning 18 forced turnovers into 22 points.

Sophomore guard Michelle Burns was the only Pioneer in double digits, contributing 11 points and tied the team-high eight rebounds. Junior guard Ariana Sanders matched Burns’ eight rebounds and tallied eight points of her own. Junior guard Tyra James also chipped in seven points.

Looking to bounce back from the loss from the day prior, Point Park was back in the Marian gym for a matchup against the hosting team.

Point Park held a 30-27 at the half against the No. 4-ranked team and held their own throughout the remaining 20 minutes.

Senior captain Kaitlyn Smith had a game-high 19 points, followed by Burns and Sanders with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Point Park outshot the Knights by two percent and the two teams were tied with 39 rebounds, but Marian forced 19 turnovers compared to Point Park’s 13, which ultimately gave the Knights the game 66-61.

The Pioneers return home on Nov. 27 for the first game of the first double header of the season and to open River States Conference play against Carlow.