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Early turnovers hurt MLC in home opener with Carleton

Staff photo by Steve Muscatello Martin Luther College’s Ruth Buchholz (left) tries to get past Carlton College defender Cece Leone (24) during the first quarter Friday at MLC in New Ulm.

NEW ULM — The Martin Luther College women struggled to control Carleton College right out of the gate on Friday in MLC’s season and home opener, falling 75-44 in nonconference women’s basketball.

The Knights of MLC committed 17 turnovers in the first half alone and ended the night with 27 turnovers, while the Carleton Knights finished the night with 11 turnovers. With the early turnovers, it was hard for MLC to get much of anything going offensively.

With Carleton ahead 9-4 in the first quarter, Emily Witkowski added a free throw, an and-one and a turnaround bucket inside to put MLC ahead briefly, 10-9. Unfortunately for MLC, that was the last lead it would have all game.

Carleton took the lead right back and went on an 18-1 run to lead 27-11 before MLC could end its long scoring drought with a pair of free throws from Halley Engelbrecht, who had 5 points and four rebounds on the night. The second quarter didn’t get any easier for MLC either as Carleton opened that second quarter with 19 consecutive points on a balanced scoring attack to lead 46-16.

A layup by Katelyn Schwartz ended the second long scoring drought of the night for MLC. MLC wrapped up the second quarter with some positive momentum after a jumper each by Samantha Paul and Ruth Buchholz to trail 52-26 at the half.

The third quarter saw MLC post its lowest-scoring quarter of the night after being outscored 19-8. MLC did improve in the fourth quarter, however, outscoring Carleton 10-4.

The Knights of MLC were led by Witkowski, who scored 12 points and added three rebounds, and Buchholz, who added 6 points and five boards.

Cassandra Anklam added 4 points, three rebounds and three blocks for MLC.

For the Carleton Knights, Annabella Jensen led the team with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Cece Leone added 15 points and Anna Hughes added 11 points.

MLC shot 25.6 percent from the floor for the game and went 0 for 14 from the 3-point line, while Carleton shot 43.3 percent from the floor and were 5 of 15 from the 3-point line.

MLC (0-1) returns to action against Bethel in the Gustavus Tournament at 5 p.m. on Friday at Gustavus Adolphus College.

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