ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College women's basketball team fell to the College of Saint Benedict, 65-51 in Wednesday evening MIAC action at the Leonard Center. After a close first half, the Blazers held Macalester to five points in the third quarter and created a 15-point deficit for the Scots. The loss brings Macalester to 7-13 overall and 2-11 in league play. St. Ben's improves to 14-6 overall and 9-4 in the MIAC.
 
The Scots had a strong start, taking a 13-10 lead after the first quarter. They entered the half down by three (33-30) but were looking sharp offensively sparked by Regan Fruh's (Helena, Mont./ Helena) 17 first-half points.
 
The Blazers came out of the half in a zone defense and Macalester was unable to adjust, scoring just five points in the third. The Scots battled back in the fourth, winning the quarter 16-15 but came up short in final scoring.
 
Vivi Gregorich (Boulder, Colo. / Boulder) added 11 points for the Scots after knocking down two of three shots from beyond the arc. Lauren Clamage (Lake Forest, Ill. / Lake Forest Academy) also scored 11 points on the night, shooting five of 11 from the field.
 
Leah Gray (San Rafael, Calif. / Branson School) pulled down a team-best eight boards.
 
St. Ben's was led in scoring by Macy Kelly who finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
 
Both teams shot an even 40% from the field in the contest, however, St. Ben's forced Macalester into 20 turnovers and committed just 10.
 
The Scots will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 6 when they host Bethel University at the Leonard Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. following the men's game.