MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- After a solid first half, the Macalester College Scots lost to #11 Augsburg University by a score of 81-54. Macalester now falls to 1-12 (0-8 MIAC), while Augsburg improves to 11-2 (7-1 MIAC).
 
After Augsburg hit a three-pointer, senior guard Holly Hull (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Northwest) made a layup to make the score 3-2 Auggies. Augsburg controlled much of the first quarter by going on a few big runs. Entering the second quarter, the Scots trailed 14-26.
 
The Scots offense went on a 13-4 run sparked by a three-point play from junior guard Celine Sabbagh (Eau Claire, Wis./Regis). Freshman guard Emma Lafrenz Edina, Minn./ Edina), junior forward Katherine Podoll (San Geronimo, Calif./Sir Francis Drake), and junior guard Katie Sowerby (Mill Valley, Calif.,Tampais) took turns scoring buckets to make the score 27-30. Augsburg then extended their lead to 32-27, but Justine Barraza answered back with a score of her own to make the score 29-32, in favor of the Auggies. A Sowerby free throw brought the Scots within two but Augsburg slowly separated themselves to take a 43-34 lead into the half.
 
Strong defense for the nationally ranked Auggies kept the Macalester offense quiet for most of the second half. The Scots offense put up 20 second half points but ultimately lost 81-54.
 
Barraza led the Scots with 12 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field. Barraza was also nearly perfect from the free throw line, she hit 6-of-7 free throws. Sabbagh also contributed 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field.
 
Macalester will finish their two-game road stint on Wednesday January 15, at Hamline University.  Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.