The women’s basketball team won its first game of the season at home on Saturday, Feb. 14 against fellow MIAC team St. Olaf. The Scots had been stuck in a 22-game losing streak, 19 of which were within the MIAC. The Oles came to campus looking for their second win of the season after beating Macalester a month ago.

Afton Hanson ’04 led the Scots to their 55-46 win over the Oles with 31 points, the second highest point total in her Macalester career. Hanson had 14 rebounds, four assists and made five of 12 three-pointers.

Jill Johnson led St. Olaf with 22 points. The Oles held their only lead of the game with a score of 6-4 with 15:16 minutes left in the first half, but fell behind after committing seven turnovers. St. Olaf came within two points toward the end of the first half, but Macalester emerged with a 25-16 lead. The Scots scored 15 points in the first four minutes of the second half, but had a difficult time maintaining this lead in the remaining minutes. St. Olaf closed the gap to 42-39 with 7:33 left in the game after a 13-2 rally.

The game looked like it could go either way with the Scots leading 48-46 with 2:28 left to play. Hanson secured the win with a three-pointer at 2:11 and another basket with 32 seconds remaining.

The Macalester women’s team has struggled throughout the season with only seven to nine active players per game. St. Olaf and Macalester currently hold the two lowest spots in MIAC standings.

The Scots had hoped to achieve another MIAC win against Hamline on Wednesday, Feb. 18, but couldn’t out-pace the Pipers, who beat Macalester 67-50. Afton Hanson led the Macalester women with 23 points.