PALATINE, ILL. - The Madison College women's basketball team opened a season-ending two-game road trip with a 56-45 loss at Harper College on Saturday. The loss could potentially take the WolfPack out of the running to host a postseason game as the Region 4 Tournament approaches. Three players scored in double-figures for the 'Pack, who saw a 17-game win streak over the Hawks come to an end. Madison College still leads the all-time series by a 19-3 margin after splitting the regular season series.

The visiting WolfPack built a five-point lead thanks to a 6-0 run in the first quarter, which ended in a 9-9 tie. Freshman Laurissa Pickel drained a three-pointer in the second quarter to give Madison College a 14-11 edge, however, the low-scoring first half closed with an 11-2 surge for Harper College (8-12, 2-5) and a 22-16 advantage. The 'Pack narrowed the gap to a single basket almost midway through the third quarter, which finished with the home team owning a seven-point lead. Unfortunately, the Madison College offense went quiet as then failed to score a basket for eight-and-a-half minute that stretched from the third to the fourth quarter. During that time, the Hawks posted 20 points to just eight free throws for the WolfPack. Madison College was trailing 54-37 when freshman Lauren Thole ended the scoring drought with back-to-back baskets, and was able to get within 11 before the final buzzer.

Pickel, a native of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, finished with three makes from beyond the arc as part of a 5 for 16 shooting effort that resulted in a team-high 14 points, to go along with four rebounds, three steals, and an assist. The 5'8" guard boasts 11 double-digit games, including in six of the last eight outings. 

Fellow freshman Taylor Ripp registered 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, and was followed by sophomore Olivia Marron with 10 points and seven boards. Thole dished out a team-leading five assists, while she also had six points and six rebounds. 

The Hawks controlled the interior with a 38-16 advantage in points in the paint and a 46-37 lead in total rebounds. The WolfPack's 15 made field goals ties for the second fewest in a game this season.

Up Next:

Madison College (6-17, 4-5) will finish out the regular season with a road game Tuesday, February 15 at Joliet Junior College (8-13, 5-4), who sits just ahead of the WolfPack in the Region 4 and North Central Community College Conference standings. In their prior meeting this season, the 'Pack earned a 63-59 victory for their third straight win over the Wolves and a 22-14 lead in the all-time series. Game time in Joliet, Illinois, is at 5:00 p.m.

Fans are allowed at Joliet Junior College, and the game can be live streamed here.

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