By William Kennedy

The Scots earned their first win in nearly two years Friday night against Crown College, beating them 53-40. The win marks the first for new head coach Ellen Thompson as well. This is the team’s first win since the 2003-2004 campaign when they won a single game–beating St. Olaf 55-46. Injuries and a small roster forced the Scots to cancel last year’s winless season after only six games.

Macalester (1-6) handed Crown their third loss of the season with solid defense and an impressive 18-minute run during which they outscored their opponents 24-3. Leading 17-12 at halftime in what appeared to be a defensive contest, the Scots put on some offensive firepower at they put their opponents away in the second period. Macalester scored 36 points in the half, falling only three points short of their previous game high.

Standout guard Elise Pagel ’09 was responsible for over half the Scots second-half offense, pouring in 19 of her 26 points during the half. Brittini Chicuata ’08 was also a major contributor, adding 11 points and 11 rebounds to the Scot’s totals.

Leading by as many as 15 points, the Scots looked like a team in control, never allowing the Purple Storm to get within striking distance. When Pagel fouled out toward the end of the half, and exited the floor to a big ovation from the stands, the Scots were already well on their way to a heartening victory.

Playing their second game in as many days, the team fell to Martin Luther College 35-55 the following day. Retuning to the court less than 24 hours later, the Scots gave Martin Luther College a solid game for the first 20 minutes. Trailing 28-20 at halftime however, the Scots appeared to run out of gas in the second half. Martin Luther quickly extended its lead, putting the game virtually out of reach with 15 minutes remaining.

To their credit the Scots continued to battle, but could not get within single digits. Pagel and Chicuata again led the scoring for the Scots with 14 and 12 points respectively.