ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester women's basketball team had its home opener today, hosting the Auggies of Augsburg University in the first MIAC Matchup of the season. The Scots battled hard, but Macalester fell 49-39. The Scots' record is now 1-3 (0-1 MIAC).

The Scots started strong, with sophomore guard/forward Katherine Norquist (Chicago, Ill./Walter Payton College Prep) sinking a jumper and junior guard Andrea Palmen (Kenosha, Wis./The Prairie School) knocking in a three-pointer to go up 5-2. However, the Auggies would rally to overtake the Scots and go up 12-5 with 3:41 on the clock. Macalester decreased the Auggies' lead to 14-12, with a three-pointer from sophomore guard Camille Samuel (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Preparatory), but the Auggies would hold on to lead 18-12 after 10 minutes. In the second, sophomore guard/forward Peyton Starks (St. Louis, Mo./John Burroughs School) was finally able to penetrate the Auggie defense to score for Macalester with 3:06 left in the half. The Auggies led 32-18 at the break.

After Augsburg took seven more points at the beginning of the third, the Scots went on a 6-0 run for the next four minutes. Starks, Norquist and junior forward Emma LaFrenz (Edina, Minn./Edina) all knocked down a basket. The Auggies answered with a 6-2 run and led 45-46 heading into the final 10 minutes. The Scots held the Auggies in the fourth, outscoring Augsburg 13-4. LaFrenz totaled six points while senior guard Solana Cushing (Minneapolis, Minn./South) knocked in a three. Yet Augsburg was able to hold on for the victory, 49-39.

Starks and LaFrenz led Macalester today, each recording a double-double. LaFrenz tallied 10 points with 13 rebounds, while Starks totaled 10 points and 12 rebounds. Starks also registered four assists.

Macalester's next game will be a conference matchup against Saint Mary's. The Scots will host the Cardinals on Tuesday November 22 at 7:00 p.m.