MADISON, WISC. - Saturday's 2024-25 season opener for the Madison College women's basketball team showed much promise for a program looking to rebound from a one-win season a year ago. The WolfPack dropped an 82-71 decision to McHenry County College in a Region 4 contest inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium. The freshman trio of Aubrey Maass, Keelyn Zwirschitz, and Hannah Solie all scored in double-figures. Madison College is now 2-7 all-time against the Scots, who have won seven consecutive season-opening matchups since the Pack took the first game of the 2016-17 campaign.

Madison College scored the first three points of the game before MCC used a 12-2 run to take a seven-point lead. Another 15-6 surge over the final five minutes of the first quarter saw the Pack go without a field goal; however, the home team scored the final six points of the half to hang within 47-32. 

The WolfPack continued to chip away in the third quarter when a Dani Latz layup off an pass from A'nise Keys closed the gap to ten at 56-46 with less than five minutes to play in the quarter. McHenry County College (1-0) owned the rest of the quarter, scoring 15 of the final 18 points to take a 22-point lead into the final quarter. 

Despite the deficit, Madison College did not quit and produced their best offensive quarter of the day in the final ten minutes. The WolfPack used a Maass three-pointer to ignite an 11-0 run to pull within 78-69 after a free throw by Jaida Gaskins with about two-and-a-half minutes left. The WolfPack were unable to score again until a late jumper by Hannah Solie closed out the first collegiate game experience for everyone on the Madison College roster. 



Maass, a guard from Montello, Wisconsin, led all scorers with 19 points on 6 of 17 shooting that included a 3 for 9 effort from long range. She also knocked down 4 of 9 free throws. Maass was part of a three-way tie for the team lead in steals with three.

Zwirschitz nearly posted a double-double in her collegiate debut with 13 points and nine rebounds. The Antigo, Wisconsin, native was 6 for 12 with one hit from beyond the arc and led the team in rebounding, as well as assists and steals with three each.

And Solie, a guard from Chetek, Wisconsin, posted 11 points, two assists, and two steals.

Madison College shot 37% (25-68) overall, 22% (5-22) from three-point range, and 59% (16-27) at the stripe. The Scots owned a 47-39 edge in rebounding and a 14-8 differential in second chance points. The WolfPack was four points better in points off turnovers and points in the paint.

Up Next:

Madison College (0-1) will hit the road for the season's second game on Thursday, November 7 when they play Waubonsee Community College (0-0) in a Region 4 matchup. The WolfPack lead the all-time series by a 10-6 margin; however, the Chiefs have won the last four meetings since the two teams begin playing on a yearly basis in 2019-20. Tip off in Sugar Grove, Illinois, is set for 5:30 p.m. and can be live streamed here.

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