NEW ULM, Minn. - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start on offense in a 70-45 loss to St. Scholastica on Wednesday.

The Knights had opportunities inside and outside early in the game, but shot just 2-14 in the first quarter as CSS built a 19-6 lead.

MLC shot better in the second quarter, but still finished the first half with a 39-20 deficit thanks to 21.4 percent shooting overall compared to 46.4 percent by the Saints.

The Knights battled in the second half, but could not erase the early deficit to get back in the game as the Saints went on to secure the win.

MLC shot 26.2 percent from the field for the game and made six of 25 attempts from beyond the three-point arc. CSS finished the game shooting 41.0 percent overall and shot 8-20 from three-point range. 

Erika Gosch led MLC off the bench with 12 points. Jayden Koehler and Emily Witkowski each scored seven points, while Emily Rothfuss led all players with nine rebounds.

MLC fell to 0-12 on the season and 0-4 in UMAC play in defeat. CSS improved to 5-8 overall and 3-2 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, January 11, when they host UW-Superior in a game scheduled to tip off at 4:45 p.m. The game was originally scheduled to be played at UWS, but was moved to New Ulm due to issues with facilities.