BELOIT, Wis. - The Beloit College Women's basketball team opened the Midwest Conference season this evening against the Lawrence University Vikings. The Buccaneers (0-8, 0-1 MWC) continue to search for their footing as a young team. They fell by a final score of 35-59 to the 4-2 (10- MWC) Vikings. 

The Buccaneers struggled offensively throughout the game, converting only 21.3% (10/47) of their field goal attempts and 16.7% (4/24) from three-point range. They fell behind early, trailing 16-6 after the first quarter, and were never able to close the gap, facing a 33-16 deficit at halftime.

Johanna McNair (Fishers, Ind.) led Beloit's scoring with 10 points, while Hailey Johnson (South Milwaukee, Wis.) also reached double figures with 10 points and added 6 rebounds. The team struggled with ball control, committing 22 turnovers compared to 13 assists.

Beloit's offense had particular trouble generating points in the paint, scoring just 8 points in the interior compared to Lawrence's 30. The team was most effective at the free throw line, making 11 of 15 attempts (73.3%).

Despite facing a deficit as large as 27 points in the third quarter, Beloit continued to compete, matching Lawrence with 10 points in the final quarter. However, their shooting woes and turnover issues prevented them from mounting any significant comeback attempt. 

The Buccaneers head to Monmouth, Ill. on Sunday for a conference match up with the Fighting Scots. Tip off from the Huff Athletic Center is set for 1 pm.