The women’s basketball team of Macalester College prepared for a challenging matchup as they battled the Wildcats of St. Catherine. Despite their best efforts, the Scots ultimately fell short, with a final score of 74-63. As a result, Macalester’s record stands at 9-14 (6-12 MIAC), while St. Catherine sits at 16-6 (12-5 MIAC).
The game began with the Wildcats taking an early 5-0 lead, but the Scots quickly responded with first-year guard Sydnee Smith sinking a critical and-one to put Macalester on the scoreboard. Throughout the game, players such as Peyton Starks, Katherine Norquist, and Mary Daley played pivotal roles in keeping the Scots in contention. By the end of the first quarter, Macalester managed to secure a narrow 15-13 lead.
The second quarter saw senior guard Andrea Palmen making a significant impact by blocking the Wildcats’ three-point attempt and sinking a three-pointer at the other end. The Scots continued to trade baskets with their opponents, eventually heading into halftime with a slim one-point lead of 34-33. The third quarter saw Macalester keeping the game tight, with players like Acacia Edmond, Starks, and Smith coming up with crucial plays to maintain the Scots’ edge. However, the Wildcats made a strong comeback in the latter part of the quarter, leading 54-46 going into the fourth.
In the final quarter, despite the valiant efforts of Norquist and Starks, Macalester was unable to overturn St. Catherine’s lead, ultimately falling short with a final score of 74-63. Starks delivered an impressive performance, racking up 21 points, four blocks, and six rebounds, all while maintaining a perfect free-throw record. Norquist, Smith, and Edmond also made substantial contributions, each securing 10 points in the game. The team as a whole managed to achieve a shooting percentage of 41.5% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, Macalester’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, February 10th, where they will face off against Hamline on the road at 1:00 p.m.
The game against St. Catherine may not have ended in the Scots’ favor, but it undoubtedly showcased the team’s resilience and competitive spirit. As they prepare for their upcoming challenges, they will undoubtedly draw on the lessons learned from this hard-fought contest to fuel their drive for success on the court.