Angola, IN – Alma College Women's Basketball headed over the Michigan-Indiana border on Wednesday to take on the Thunder of Trine University in MIAA play. Alma fell behind early, and a second half push fell short, with the Scots losing 72-62.
 
Known for their stifling defense, the #23 team in the country did well to limit Alma's scoring in the early going. Trine jumped out to a 12-0 lead before the Scots were able to hit the scoreboard. Once Alma started to get things rolling, the visitors went on an 11-4 run to close the gap down to 5 points at 16-11. The Thunder rolled in a new group of 5 players, and that crew closed the quarter on a 6-0 run to give Trine a 22-11 lead after one.
 
Alma was stymied further by Trine in the second frame. The Scots did well on their own defensive end of the floor, making the hosts work for every basket. After shooting over 80% from the floor, Trine shot 47% in the second. Alma was held to 23% from the floor in the period, with Trine carrying a 41-19 advantage into the half.
 
The third quarter saw Alma keep working through their offensive struggles. The Scots defense also picked up, forcing Trine to cool off further from the field at 36% from the floor. After three quarters, Alma trailed by a score of 55-32.
 
In the fourth quarter, the offense exploded for the Scots. Alma tallied 30 points in the frame, fueled by a 5-9 showing from downtown. A massive 18-2 run to open the period saw the Scots suddenly trail by just 10 points at 60-50 with 5 minutes to play. Despite Alma's best efforts, they could get no closer than 7 as the late push ran out of gas, and Trine escaped with the win.
 
Molly Duerloo (17 Points, 9 Rebounds, 2 Assists) Taylor Sas (15 Points, 2 Rebounds, 2 Steals) and Brooke LeRoux (10 Points, 2 Rebouds, 5 Assists) were major role players in the loss.
 
Alma gets a pair of off days before hosting St. Mary's on Saturday to kick off a basketball triple header.