ASHLAND, Wis. – The Northland College Women's Basketball had its best start of the season resulting in a six-point lead after the first quarter. The LumberJills could not keep the lead, falling 72-45 to Mount Mary University Wednesday evening in Ashland, Wis.
 
Northland started the game hot from deep knocking down three three-pointers to start the game on a 9-to-2 advantage. Tara Sandoval connected for two of the shots, while Kodie Rempp had the other. The Blue Angels tied the game up but with Northland closed out the half on a 7-to-1 run. Katelyn Altaha scored five with Jojo Lowmaster chipping in two from a layup.
 
The Jills attempted to hold off the attack from UMM with points from Madison Mendoza and Sandoval but could not match the pace with the Blue Angels taking the lead four minutes in the second quarter. Jumpers from Madi Owens and Madison Mendoza kept the game within two. Mount Mary responded with seven unanswered to take its biggest lead at nine into the half.
 
The second half the Blue Angels continued to pad their lead outscoring Northland 22-11 and ended the final quarter with a seven-point advantage to win 72-45.
 
Altaha picked up four fouls early in the third quarter and despite missing a large chunk of the quarter led the team in points with 11. Northland had its highest scoring game of the season at 45. Mendoza, Sandoval, Rempp and Owens all finished the game with eight points. Rounding out the scoring was Lowmaster with two. Altaha also led the team in assists with three of the Jills' six.
 
Mendoza and Altaha had their best night on the glass snagging a team-high nine. Mendoza recorded eight of her boards in the first half. Altaha finished the game one rebound shy of recording the first double-double of the season. Behind the pair was Rempp and Lowmaster with seven and six respectively. Lowmaster also recorded the team's sole block.
 
The Jills return to Upper Midwest Athletic Conference play Saturday as they travel to the University of Wisconsin-Superior for a 3 p.m., tipoff.
 
Northland College is an NCAA Division III institution located in Ashland, WI. The LumberJacks and LumberJills sponsor 14 varsity sports and compete in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, Midwest Lacrosse Conference, and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.