The Viking women held tough for three quarters before they were done in by turnovers and a late 18-10 run by the Pioneers, falling in the NCAA Division II National Championship game 85-72 Friday evening.
Western set the game’s tempo early, hitting on 62% of their shots in the first half to take a lead into the locker room at the break.
But Glenville State and MEC player of the year Re’Shawna Stone took charge in the second half.
The Pioneers forced a total of 25 Viking turnovers.
Western’s Brook Walling led all scorers with 27 points and recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds.
Emma Duff added 17 points and 9 rebounds for the Vikings.