Winona, MN - The Martin Luther College women's basketball team squared off with Saint Mary's (MN) on Saturday night on the road for its season opener. The women finished last season 9-16 and hoped to get off to a quick start with a win off the bat, but lost to the Cardinals by single-digits (61-56).

The Cardinals led the Knights 30-23 at halftime after MLC got their shots to fall in the second quarter, shooting around 39 percent from the floor to close the gap. 

MLC would cut it to 49-44 after the third period, but Saint Mary's made the plays necessary to hold onto the lead for their first win of the season.

The Cardinals had the edge in points in the paint (28-18) and guard Izzy Goettelman had a productive night for her team, grabbing a double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.

MLC had good balance throughout their rotation, outscoring the Cardinals 24-8 in bench points to help them stay in the game. However, the 21 MLC turnovers would prove costly as Saint Mary's converted the Knights' miscues into 16 points.

Emma Nelson collected a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) to lead the Knights down low. The senior picked up right where she left off from her Second Team All-Conference season a year ago.

Maya Price produced nine points, while freshman Anna Kieselhorst had eight points and six boards.

MLC (0-1) will now play another road contest when they travel to Hamline on Wednesday, November 15. Tip off is at 7 p.m.