ACC was defeated by Delta in a thrilling game that ended in a final score of 60-53, but was about much more than just the final score.

Despite the loss, Jade Schultz finished the game with 34 points and broke the all-time scoring record for the Lumberjacks.

Not only did Schultz break the scoring record, but ACC coach Cindy DeRocher announced her retirement from coaching.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better team to coach. These girls all have a high maturity level and they are a perfect group. Tonight was obviously a special game and an exciting game, but I’m glad that it’s over,” DeRocher said.

News Photo by James Andersen Alpena Community College sophomore Jade Schultz puts up a shot in the first half of a women’s basketball game on Tuesday at Park Arena.

Schultz’s 1,038 career points broke the previous mark of 1,024 set by Karina Cole in 2016.

Although the Lumberjacks ended up taking a loss, a 6-0 run to start the game gave ACC early momentum.

This offensive push to start the game was led by Schultz after she scored all six.

Immediately after taking the lead, turnovers and a lack of depth started to hold back the Lumberjacks. Because of this, the Pioneers went on an 11-0 run to end the first quarter.

Going into the second quarter, Delta was up 20-10, but the Pioneers couldn’t stop Schultz.

Not only was Schultz outstanding at grabbing rebounds and getting easy baskets, but she was a great passer and racked up several assists during the first half.

As an adjustment to the Lumberjacks’ offense, Delta switched to a press defense that wreaked havoc and caused many turnovers. Another improvement the Pioneers made was fronting Schultz in the post, limiting the number of times she could get open.

Even though Delta was trying to eliminate Schultz, she still managed to get her points. Schultz was sent to the line for two free throws, only two points away from tying the scoring record.

Schultz felt no pressure making both easily and was only one point away from owning the record.

On the next possession, Schultz was wide-open for a layup which she made, breaking the record.

“Jade was so focused tonight, and you could tell that just by watching her play. She really enjoyed the pressure and showed out for everyone tonight,” DeRocher said. “She’s carried our team and elevated our program over the past couple of years. This is a great event for women’s basketball, it’s great for the community, and it’s really great for Jade to accomplish this.”

Going into the half with the crowd on ACC’s side, the Lumberjacks were only down 29-28.

The third quarter was filled with back-and-forth lead changes until ACC began to pull away. A 9-0 run led by a Maddy Wilkinson three extended the lead to 47-39 at the end of the quarter.

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Lumberjacks’ offense faltered.

Delta’s trap and press style of defense forced ACC into turning over the ball almost every possession. The Pioneers’ defense led itself to a 16-2 run to win by taking all the momentum away from the Lumberjacks.