NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team opened it season with a 79-59 loss to Gustavus Adolphus College on Monday.

The Knights battled tough throughout, and held a 36-35 halftime edge thanks to 14 points from Erin Schmeling in the first two quarters. 

Turnovers would allow the Gusties to take control in the third quarter, however, as MLC committed 15 miscues in the third quarter, allowing GAC to take a 12-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The Knights cut the deficit to to nine with just under five minutes to play, but that GAC was able to make its free throws down the stretch to pull away.

Schmeling finished with a team-high 19 points on 6-8 shooting (3-4 from three-point range, 4-7 from the free throw line). Moriah Hackbarth had a strong collegiate debut, scoring 13 points on 6-8 shooting. Schmeling and Mariah Schoof each finished with four assists.

The game was the season-opener for both teams, as GAC improved to 1-0, while MLC fell to 0-1.

The Knights will return to action on Friday, November 20, when they play Calvin College at Wisconsin Lutheran College. That game is scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m.