The Kalamazoo College women's basketball team lost its season opener 56-55 at Oberlin College (Ohio) on Wednesday.
Kalamazoo jumped out to an early lead and held a 10-point lead midway through the first half. The Hornets led by as many as 11 points (27-16) with 2:53 remaining in the half before the host Yeowomen cut the deficit to six (29-23) going into halftime.
Kalamazoo extended the lead back to eight points (39-31) with 13:59 left in the second half, but Oberlin scored the next seven points to make it a one point game (39-38).
Oberlin took its first lead of the game (46-44) with 5:55 remaining. The teams exchanged leads over the next two minutes before seeing the score tied 50-50 with 3:52 left.
Oberlin scored the next six points to lead 56-50 with 3:04 remaining, but Kalamazoo would battle back to make it a 56-55 game with 1:06 remaining. Kalamazoo had the final possession and a shot at the buzzer did not fall leaving the Hornets on the losing end.
Kalamazoo shot 30.3 percent overall compared to 22.6 percent for Oberlin. The Yeowomen sank 7-of-24 three-pointers compared to 4-of-18 for the Hornets. Oberlin was 13-of-20 at the free throw line while Kalamazoo sank 11-of-13. Oberlin held a 55-37 advantage in rebounds, including 18-6 on the offensive end leading to an 18-4 advantage in second chance points.
Nicole Antoine led Kalamazoo with 20 points and seven rebounds. Emily Lindsay added 13 points with a pair of steals.
Katherine Johnston scored seven points with five rebounds while India Hoskins scored six points with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Kalamazoo returns to action at Franklin College (Ind.) on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Kalamazoo's home opener is scheduled for Nov. 28 against Hope College at 7:30 p.m.