The Alma Women's Basketball team had a difficult task on Wednesday evening as they continued MIAA against host and sixth ranked Hope College. The Scots were competitive, but fell in the end by a score of 79-58, dropping the visitors to 2-10 overall and 1-2 in league play. The Flying Dutch improved to 11-1 in 2009-10, and 3-0 in the MIAA.

The two teams were tight throughout the first ten minutes as the game saw three ties, including 17-17 at the midway point of the half. The Scots led four different times, the last being at 17-15, when Jr. F Sydney Beckwith (Weidman, MI/Weidman) scored on a jumper at 11:11.

The final ten minutes of the first half, as the Flying Dutch went on an 11-0 run and took a 28-17 lead with 6:01 remaining. Alma fought hard however, and cut the lead to six, at 30-24, on a jumper by Sr. G Lacey Best-Rowden (Lansing, MI/Waverly) with 4:07 left. Hope outscored the visitors 10-4 down the stretch to take a 40-28 halftime lead.

The host Flying Dutch continued the run opening the second half as they outscored Alma 10-0 over the first 1:26 to take a 50-28 lead. Hope's biggest lead came at 15:44, when they scored a bucket to take a 25-point lead at 57-32. The two teams essentially traded baskets the rest of the way and the home team walked away with a final victory of 79-58.

On the evening, Beckwith led the way for the Scots with 15 points and also added four rebounds, two blocks and two steals. So. C Aubrey Maxa (Saginaw, MI/Swan Valley) added 11 points, while Fr. G Danielle Hicks led the Scots with six rebounds and five steals. Best-Rowden and Sr. G Lauren Hasler (Mt. Pleasant, MI/Sacred Heart) each had eight points for the visitors.

The Scots continue MIAA play on Saturday afternoon, when they host Albion College. Tip-off at Cappaert Gymnasium is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.