PLYMOUTH, Wis. -- Lakeland College topped visiting Alverno College, 71-57, Saturday evening in Woltzen Gymnasium.
Julie Gallegos scored 15 points to lead the Inferno (5-17, 3-14 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference). Tessa Mersberger had 12, Mollie Mikyska 11 and Brooke McBain added nine points.
Alverno jumped out to a 15-2 lead in the opening minutes of the game, but the Muskies (8-14, 7-10 NACC) slowly chipped away and eventually pulled in front with three minutes left in the first period.
Lakeland led by 36-33 at halftime and didn't trail the remainder of the contest to earn the season split with the Inferno.
Trista Barron led the Muskies with 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field.
Alverno was an impressive 20-of-26 from the free-throw line compared to Lakeland's 6-of-10, but the Muskies' 40-27 rebounding advantage contributed to the hosts 23 more field-goal attempts.
Tonight's loss, coupled with Aurora University's win over Marian University this afternoon, knocked the Inferno from NACC Tournament contention.
Next up for Alverno is its final home game of the season, also Senior Night, on Wednesday versus Rockford University. Tipoff is 7 p.m. in Reiman Gymnasium.