(NORTH CANTON, Ohio) – A fourth-quarter surge helped Walsh pull away from its rival Malone in a 60-49 victory in the 75th meeting between the two schools on Monday. The Cavaliers improved to 13-7 overall and 10-5 within the conference. The Pioneers dropped to 5-15 overall and 2-13 in the GLIAC.

The Maroon and Gold led 39-37 going into the final frame, but a 7-0 run with baskets by Brittni Clopton (So., Fort Wayne, Ind./South Side) – coupled with a foul and free throw – as well as Jalynn Graham (Jr., Columbus, Ohio/Central Crossing) and Alex Hochstedler (So., Fishers, Ind./Fishers) gave Walsh a nine-point lead.

Malone eventually clawed its way back and cut the deficit to 48-46 after a 3-pointer by Alaina Schwarz, but Walsh answered with the next six points. The Pioneers added another trey that made the score 54-49 with 3:09 to play, but it was their final basket of the game.

The Cavs received a strong effort from Clopton who led the offense with 13 points and a game-high 12 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Graham finished the game with 12 points and Hochstedler added 11 markers. Graham was an impressive 5-of-6 from the field while both Clopton and Hochstedler hit 4-of-8.

The Pioneers were led by Tara Schaffter with 20 points. Walsh's defense once again gave the opposition troubles as Malone had 15 turnovers and shot 29.4 percent for the game.

With the win, Walsh holds onto third place in the South Division by two games. The Cavs now set up for a rematch with No. 3 Ashland on Thursday. Tip-off with the unbeaten Eagles is set for 5:30 p.m.