DECORAH, Iowa - The University of Northwestern Women's Basketball team went on the road to Decorah, Iowa, and Luther College in search of their first victory of this season. The Eagles ran into a Norse offense that put up 94 points, shooting 54.5% from the field and 42.9% from three. The overwhelming offense was too much for the Eagles as they fell 68-94.
The first points scored from the Eagles came from a pure elbow jumper from Marin Blom (Farmington, Minn./Farmington). UNW then fell behind 4-9, but responded with an Emma Korinek (New Brighton, Minn./Concordia Academy) three-pointer, as well as a layup through contact from freshman Lydia Schmitter (Eagan, Minn./United Christian Academy) to bring the score to 9-9. After trading baskets with each other, the score remained tied at 11-11. The Norse responded with a 7-0 run, but threes from Olivia Heikes (Braham, Minn./Braham Area) and Marin Blom (Farmington, Minn./Farmington) caused the first quarter to end with the Eagles trailing by one, with the score at 17-18.
After two buckets from the Norse, Schmitter responded with a layup to begin the scoring for the Eagles in the second quarter, bringing the score to 19-23. After trading baskets with UNW, Luther went on another scoring run, outpacing the Eagles and ending the first half with the score at 29-42.
UNW opened the scoring in the second half with a layup from Korinek. Korinek followed this offensive effort by drawing a foul and converting a free throw to bring the score to 32-44. The Eagles and Norse traded baskets for a while, with a steal and a fastbreak layup from Katelyn Lindberg (Clearwater, Minn./Monticello) ending the third, with the score set at 52-72.
Ella Frazier (Mahtomedi, Minn./Mahtomedi) opened the fourth with a three-pointer, with Lindberg assisting. Northwestern carried on, scoring ten-unanswered before the Norse responded with a layup. UNW and Luther continued to trade baskets, resulting in a season high in scoring for the team. Despite a late scoring effort, the Eagles were unable to overcome the deficit, with the final score being 68-94.
Schmitter paced the team in rebounds and blocks while beating her first-career game's point total with 15. Pacing the Eagles in points was Blom, with her own career-high of 16. Another career-high in points was met, as Carli Elrod (Lindstrom, Minn./Spectrum) reached double digits with 12. Korinek led the team in steals with three.
UNW will have a long layoff over the holiday before returning to action at home on Friday, December 5th, against Maranatha Baptist. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM as part of a women's-men's doubleheader.
