NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team earned its first win of the season by the score of 69-68 against Northland College on Saturday.

Emily Witkowski helped the Knights to a hot start with 10 first quarter points as the Knights built a 21-11 lead heading into the second period. The Lumberjills responded, however, picking up the pace on both ends of the court to cut the MLC lead to four (38-34) at the half.

MLC built the lead back into double figures at the end of the third quarter and led by 13 points with under six minutes to play in the final period, but Northland tied the game 67-67 just inside of one minute to play with a 16-3 run. 

The Knights had one final chance to take the lead in the final minute, when Kati Aguilar rebounded a missed field goal by Emily Witkowski with three seconds to play. The sophomore forward made the first of two free throws, and MLC stopped the Lumberjills from getting a shot off in the final second to secure the win.

Witkowski was the Knights' top offensive threat throughout the game, scoring a season-high 21 points to go with nine rebounds while playing 37 of 40 minutes. Point guard Faith Otte also had a season-best offensive game with 17 points before fouling out in the final minutes. Center Cassandra Anklam led all players with 14 rebounds to go with four points and two blocks.

MLC improved to 1-8 on the season and 1-1 in UMAC play with the win. Northland fell to 3-4 overall and 0-1 in league play in defeat.

The Knights will return to action on Wednesday, December 12, when they travel to Bethany Lutheran for a game scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m.