ST. PETER, Minn. – The Macalester College women's basketball team opened its MIAC schedule with an 85-55 loss at Gustavus Saturday afternoon at Gus Young Court. The Scots fall to 0-4 overall, while the Gusties improve to 3-0.

After Gustavus started the first quarter by scoring the first eight points, Macalester was able to cut the deficit to three points twice. A three-pointer by junior guard Luci Swift (Minnetonka, Minn./Hopkins) made the score 14-11 Gusties with 1:32 left in the opening quarter. Gustavus used an 18-4 run that lasted into the second quarter to take a commanding 32-15 advantage with 5:20 remaining in the half. Five points from junior guard Justine Barraza (Burbank, Calif./Harvard-Westlake) helped the Scots reduce the deficit to 10 before Gustavus closed out the quarter with an 8-2 run to lead 44-28 at the break.

The Gusties were able to put the game away by opening the third quarter with a 6-0 run and closing the quarter with nine straight points to lead, 68-41. Gustavus held a 37-25 rebounding edge over the Scots, who committed 30 turnovers in the loss.

Swift led Macalester with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and two three-pointers. Barraza finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while sophomore guard Celine Sabbagh (Eau Claire, Wis./Regis) added 12 points. Caitlin Rorman paced Gustavus with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

The Scots return home to face Hamline on Tuesday, Nov. 26 in MIAC action. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Leonard Center.