NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team defeated Central College in a defensive battle 43-37 Thursday. 

The Knights shot just 18.3 percent from the field in the game, but frustrated the Dutch all game with a trapping press and active zone defense behind it. Central shot 28.0 percent from the field, and made just one of its 21 attempts from beyond the three-point arc (4.8 percent). The Knights also forced 23 Central turnovers.

Jessica Friebe was among the leaders on defense for MLC, finishing with five of the team's 15 steals in the game.

The defense was at its best in the final quarter, as the Knights overcame a one-point deficit by holding the Dutch to one field goal in the fourth quarter to outscore them 10-3 over the final ten minutes.

Mariah Schoof led the Knights with 11 points, and made three field goals from beyond the arc. 

Leah Nass added six points and a team-high ten rebounds, while Erin Schmeling scored ten points and grabbed eight rebounds.

MLC improved its record to 4-5 on the season following the win. Central fell to 1-7 in defeat.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, January 2, when they travel to Northland. That game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m.