NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team defeated Northland 74-54 in the home finale Saturday.

The Knights started poorly, as the Lumberjills raced to a 9-0 lead in the opening minutes, but MLC was able to settle things down on both ends of the court with a 15-2 run to end the first quarter.

MLC would control the game from that point, forcing 33 Northland turnovers, and holding the Lumberjills to 37.8 percent shooting from the field.

The Knights dominated the game down low, outscoring Northland 40-24 in the paint, and also winning the rebounding battle 43-28. 

MLC shot 42.2 percent from the field, and also made five of its ten attempts from beyond the three-point line.

Grace Schultz led the way in the win, scoring a career-high 26 points on 9-18 shooting. She also led the team with nine rebounds.

Leah Nass scored ten points off the bench, and also finished with four rebounds and three steals. Point guard Erin Schmeling led the Knights' trapping press with seven steals to go with seven assists and eight points.

MLC improved to 11-10 on the season and 6-6 in UMAC play with the win. Northland fell to 9-11 overall and 5-9 in conference play in defeat.

The Knights will return to action on Friday, February 12, when they travel to Northwestern. That game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.