Pio Sports

The Pioneers enjoyed their most successful winter season ever, with both basketball teams advancing to Northwest Conference postseason play. In addition, the women’s swim team continued to prove itself as a swimming power within the conference, while the men’s swim team put in a solid effort, earning its best conference finish in 18 years.

The Pioneers finished the 2009–10 winter season with the third-best performance of any Northwest Conference school, collecting 50 points toward the All-Sports Trophy, just two points behind the Puget Sound Loggers and 17 points behind the Whitworth Pirates.

Women’s Basketball

The women’s basketball team ended the 2009–10 season in a tie for third place in the Northwest Conference, sending the Pioneers to postseason play. In the first round of playoffs, the team lost to defending Division III National Champions and two-time NWC Regular Season Champions George Fox. Junior Christina Herring earned a spot on the NWC All-Conference First Team, while first-year Kristina Williams earned Second Team honors. Sophomore Margaret Dowling, who missed most of the second half of conference action due to injury, picked up an honorable mention.

Men’s Basketball

The 2009–10 men’s basketball season had a rocky start, with several key players having to sit out a handful of games. Despite these challenges, the Pioneers rebounded, going on to finish fourth in the Northwest Conference and earning yet another postseason berth under Head Coach Bob Gaillard. The Pioneers dropped their opening-round game to Whitworth, the undefeated 2009–10 NWC Regular Season Champions. Still, the Pioneers managed to place three players on the NWC All-Conference Second Team: senior Josh Kollasch, junior Kelly Edwards, and sophomore James Hollins.

Women’s and Men’s Swimming

The women’s swim team continues to be a consistent force in the Northwest Conference. The team finished third in this year’s conference championships, boasted two conference champions, produced two NCAA provisional times, and broke several school records. In addition, Head Coach Chris Fantz was honored as the NWC Women’s Coach of the Year. The Pioneer men’s swim team finished the Northwest Conference Championships in fifth place with 276 points, its best finish since 1992.