NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team opened the UMAC portion of its schedule with a 71-67 win over St. Scholastica Friday night.

The Knights dominated the first half, building a 15-8 lead after the first quarter, and taking a 31-18 edge into the half. MLC controlled the game thanks to a ferocious defensive effort that forced 17 CSS turnovers in the first half, leading to 15 points for the Knights. Leah Nass led the way through two quarters with eight points on 4-6 shooting from the field.

The Saints jumped back into the game thanks to a great third quarter, out-scoring the Knights 31-19 to cut the deficit to 50-49 heading into the fourth quarter. 

MLC was able to create a cushion in the final stanza, building the lead back into double figures within the first three minutes, and then holding off the Saints down the stretch at the free throw line.

The Knights forced 27 CSS turnovers in the game, and held the Saints to 40 percent shooting from the field. Both teams shot 40 percent (6-15) from beyond the arc.

Four MLC players scored in double figures, led by 17 from Grace Schultz. The sophomore guard started slow, making just one of her first ten attempts, but came up big with 13 second-half points on 5-7 shooting from the field in the half to help clinch the win.

Nass finished with 14 points, while Erin Schmeling and Mariah Schoof finished with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Nass also led the team with seven rebounds.

MLC improved its record to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in UMAC play after the win. CSS fell to 1-6 on the season and 0-1 in league action in defeat.

The Knights will return to action tomorrow (Saturday, December 5), when they host UW-Superior in a game scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m.