ANGOLA, Ind. - Today the Calvin women's basketball team traveled to the campus of Trine University where the Knights fell to the Thunder in their MIAA opener.
 
After tonight's game the Knights moved to a 3-5 overall record while Trine improved to 5-1.
 
Despite the Knights striking first when senior Valerie Dirkse (Vienna, Va./Marshall) found Chloe Wiegers (Lake Orion, Mich./Lake Orion), the Thunder quickly took control of the game. Katelyn LaRue (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) and Anna Fernandez (Plymouth, Mich./Plymouth Christian Academy) each contributed three-pointers before Trine went on a 11-0 run to claim a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. 
 
In the second quarter, both teams got hot offensively as they traded baskets back and forth. Dirkse and Hannah Sall (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) each picked up their first points of the game while Fernandez added to her total. However, the Thunder kept things rolling and retained their six-point lead heading into the half.
 
As the third quarter got underway, Calvin really locked in on the defensive side of the ball as they worked to slow down Trine's fast-paced offense. Hannah Sall had a break-out quarter as she snagged three rounds and one block on defense while also contributing two baskets on the other end of the floor. Senior Allie Mayes (East Lansing, Mich./East Lansing) also picked up a bucket as the Knights cut the Thunder lead all the way down to three.
 
In the last ten minutes of the game the Knights looked to close in on the momentum that they had gained in the third quarter. However, the constant pressure from the Thunder proved to be too much as Calvin fell 42-54. 
 
Fernandez led the way for the Knights with 15 points while Dirkse chipped in 11 points, eight rebounds, and three steals. 
 
COACHES COMMENTS: "As disappointing as the result is tonight, we had some good moments," said head coach Mark Christner. "We have to keep working to become a better and more confident offensive team. We'll get there. Onward to Saturday."
 
UP NEXT: The Knights will be back in action when they return home on Saturday, December 7th to take on Saint Mary's at 3PM.