The women's basketball team dropped the season opener 70-59 to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn.  

The game was a hard fought battle, being knotted up at 32 at halftime. The Falcons lead by as many as 12 points early in the game, but Gustavus responded by holding the Falcons without a field goal for five minutes in the middle of the second half. The Gusties put the game away with their largest lead of the night, 13, with 7:57 to go in the game.

The Gusties used a balanced attack to down the Falcons, with three players scoring in double digits. Although Falcon Tiffany Gregorich (Altoona, Altoona) lead all scorers with 16. Alise Holst (Plainview, MN, Plainview-Elgin-Millville) was next for the Falcons, chipping in 12.

Maranda Dohrn (Lake City, MN, Lake City) lead the Falcons in rebounds with seven. Brittany Gregorich (Altoona, Altoona) and Holst added five apiece.

Both teams were plagued by turnovers.  The Falcons committed 23 compared with the Gusties' 17.

The Falcons won the battle of the boards taking 36 rebounds to Gustavus' 26. UWRF dominated the offensive rebounding, coming down with 16.  The Falcons held the Gusties to a mere six.

The difference in the game was the field goal percentage. The Falcons made 22 of 54 shots for 40.7% compared to GAC who were 26-50 or 52%.

Both teams shot around 60% for free throws.  The Falcons were 10-17 from behind the line, whereas GAC was just a bit better, making 10-16.

Both teams are ranked high in their respective conferences.  The Falcons were the early season pick to finish third in the WIAC.

Up next for the Falcons is the Northwestern Tournament.  The Falcons will take on Simpson College at 2 p.m. on Friday.

Box Score