ANGOLA, Ind. - It was defensive battle for both the Trine University women's basketball team and Calvin College as the two sides combined for just 36 points in the first half. The Knights shoot nearly 50 percent in the second half to send the Thunder to their first loss of the season 53-37.

After both teams shot identical 8-of-27 in the first half, Calvin led just 19-17 at the break. Trine took their only lead of the game after a jumper by junior Haley Killingbeck (Poneto, Ind./Southern Wells) with 5:13 remaining in the first half. The Thunder defense was able to keep two-time MIAA MVP Carissa Verkaik in-check in the first half holding her to just eight points on 4-of-9 shooting.

Trine (6-1, 2-1 MIAA) shot a season-low 30.2% (16-for-53) on the night as Calvin built a lead to start the second half as they opened the half on an 11-2 run. Trine struggled from the field early in the half, but quickly recovered going on a 7-1 run to pull within five. The Trine offense managed just 11 points over the final 10 minutes of the game as the Knights pushed their lead to 20 points with under a minute to go.

Junior Sydney Spragg (Reading, Mich./Reading) led Trine with eight points. Senior Danielle Senf (Blanchardville, Wis./Pecatonica) and Killingbeck each added in seven points for the Thunder. Senf also led the offense with a game-high six assists. Junior Megan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) led the Thunder with a team-high six rebounds.

Each team committed 18 turnovers, but the Knights were able to convert on their second chance opportunities as they out-scored the Thunder 17-to-2.

Trine will get right back to work as they travel to MIAA opponent Albion College on December 10 for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off.