The Western Reserve Academy Girls Varsity Basketball team faced a tough test Thursday night, hosting powerhouse Example Academy National (IL) in front of an energized home crowd. Despite a competitive effort and strong stretches of play, the Pioneers fell 78–55.

The Red Eagles came out firing, taking a 19–9 lead after the first quarter and quickly extending it to 21–9 early in the second. Reserve responded with poise and confidence, sparked by a wave of three-pointers from Mia Lindal '26, Norah Fuld '26, and Maliyah Lofton '26. An Avery Childress '29 transition layup capped the run, trimming the deficit to 26–21 and bringing the MAC crowd to life.

Example Academy answered with composure, closing the half on an 8–2 run to take a 34–23 lead into the break.

The Red Eagles maintained control in the third quarter, holding a double-digit advantage throughout. A three-pointer from SMU commit Shania James '26 pushed the lead to 48–32. Nina Bilic '28 responded with a timely three to cut the deficit to 13, but Example finished the quarter strong and carried a 53–38 lead into the fourth.

Lofton, Bilic, and Childress knocked down key shots in the final frame to keep the Pioneers within striking distance, but the Red Eagles had an answer each time Reserve attempted to build momentum.

Lofton led the way with 18 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Bilic added 11 points and 5 steals, while Childress contributed 9 points. Kobi Marsden '28 chipped in 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Norah Fuld and Eva Barron provided strong all-around efforts on both ends of the floor.

The Pioneers will look to bounce back on Saturday as they travel to face the No. 1-ranked team in OHSAA Division IV, Laurel School (15–3).

Go Pioneers!