CRYSTAL LAKE, ILL. - The first game of the 2023-24 season may not have ended as hoped for the Madison College women's basketball, as they dropped an 86-40 game at Region 4 opponent McHenry County College on Thursday. The Scots have won six consecutive season-openers over the WolfPack, who last opened a new campaign with a win in 2016. The game was also the first as a head coach for the Pack's Angel Whetstone.

The WolfPack started the game on a high note with sophomore guard Kaylee Anzalone splashing the season's first three-pointer in the opening minute. Backcourt mate and fellow second year Kayla Staveness added her own long-range hit midway through the first quarter to break a 4-4 tie, however, McHenry County College (1-0) ended the quarter with an 18-2 run. The second quarter saw the visitors make a bevy of successful trips to the free throw line, accounting for nine points in a 16-point period that included the first career three-pointer for freshman Emily Rottier-Douangmala. Madison College won the second quarter by three to get within 35-25 at the half.



Two more free throws to open the third quarter by Staveness closed the gap to eight points until the Scots tallied 13 consecutive points to stretch the margin past the 20-point mark. Any thoughts of a fourth-quarter comeback went away when MCC used an 18-0 surge to take full control of the game.

Rottier-Douangmala, a native of Eagle River, Wisconsin, connected on 5 of 12 from the floor and added three free throws to lead the WolfPack with 14 points in her collegiate debut. First year forward Cayla Golackson registered her first career double-double, going for 11 points and 12 rebounds in her first outing. The Darlington, Wisconsin, native, was 7 for 8 at the charity stripe, while also tying for team-high honors with two assists and two blocks.

Anzalone and freshman Mya Baker also reached double-figure rebounds with each securing ten boards. Anzalone also had two assists and two steals.

Madison College finished the game shooting 20.8% (10-48) overall and 14.3% from distance with just three makes in 21 attempts, which includes misses in all ten second half attempts. They did, however, go 17 for 20 (85%) at the free throw line.

The Scots now lead the all-time series by a 6-2 count.

Up Next:

Madison College's (0-1) second attempt at the season's first win comes Wednesday, November 8 with the home opener against the University of Dubuque JV. The Spartans won the past two meetings, but the WolfPack own a 4-2 edge in the all-time series. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m. inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium.

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