NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team opened Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) play with a 60-48 loss to North Central on Wednesday.

The Knights trailed by eight points following the first period, but kept within striking distance at 29-22 at the half.

The Rams started to separate in the second half, out-scoring MLC 16-7 on the way to building a 16-point lead entering the final quarter. In that fourth quarter, MLC was never able to cut the deficit into single digits as the Rams closed out the win.

The Knights struggled to finish on the offensive end both inside and out. MLC shot 26.6 percent overall and 25.0 percent (5-20) from beyond the three-point arc. 

The MLC defense held NCU to 32.3 percent for the game, but the Rams knocked down nine three-point field goals and also out-rebounded the Knights 51-43.

Emily Witkowski led MLC with 13 points and made three three-point field goals. Kati Aguilar and Faith Otte added nine and eight points, respectively. Otte and Sydney Cody each finished with five assists.

MLC fell to 0-8 on the season and 0-1 in UMAC play in defeat. NCU improved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, December 8, when they host Northland College for a game scheduled to tip off at 5 p.m.