ALMA, Mich. - The Alma College women's basketball team lost its MIAA opener to Calvin, 58-55, taking it down to the wire against the Knights. With the loss, Alma moves to 2-1 on the season while Calvin improves to 3-1. It was the first conference game for both teams.

Erica Philp (Ubly) led all scorers with 16 points and nine rebounds while Ashley Matuzak (Saginaw/Nouvel Catholic) had 15 points, four boards, a block and a steal for the Scots.

For Calvin, Marcia Haris led the Knights with 13 points while Lisa Winkle had 11 and Sarah Winkle had 10 points, respectively.

Alma led by three points at the half - 30-27 - but could not stave off Calvin's second half surge. Alma shot over 57 percent from the field in the first half, including going three-for-three from beyond the arc while Calvin made just one of 13 attempts from three-point range. The second half was a different story for Alma as it didn't convert on any of its five chances from three-point range in the second half.

Calvin was able to capitalize on 19 Alma turnovers for 16 points but despite the differences, it was a back and forth game. Alme led by as many as eight with 14 minutes remaining the game but Calvin went on a run, overtaking the Scots to lead by nine with eight minutes to go.

Alma returns to action in Bethany, W. Va., this weekend at the Bethany Tournament.