MASON CITY, IOWA -- After winning its 2nd game in a row to begin the 2022-23 season, the Ellsworth women's basketball team was beaten by Black Hawk-Moline on Saturday in the Konigsmark Klassic.  The Panthers routed Minnesota West-Itasca, 61-29, on Friday in the tourney hosted by NIACC, then dropped a 101-82 game to Black Hawk.

Both teams started slowly in the Friday contest, Minnesota West outscoring ECC, 8-6 in the 1st period.  The Panthers then erupted for 27 points in the 2nd quarter to lead 33-10 at the half and rolled to their 2nd consecutive win.  ECC was paced by Key'Lajaha Jefferson Putman with 22 points.  Ashjahnelle Wilson added 14 and a team-high 8 rebounds.  Putman and Fabiana Nieves Martinez each handed out 5 assists and Putman had 8 steals.

The Ellsworth defense held its opponent to 24 percent field goal shooting and forced 45 turnovers.

ECC pulled away to a 21-14 advantage after one quarter in the game with Black Hawk, but allowed 66 points over the next 2 quarters.

Ingrid Martinez Guillen topped the Ellsworth scoring with 18 points.  Jefferson Putman and Andrea Aragon Garcia both scored 15 and Wilson had 11.  The Panthers were outrebounded 58-38.

Ellsworth, now 2-1, has 3 home games this week.  Minnesota West visits the Dittmer Gym on Tuesday night and ECC plays 2 games in the Dale Howard Classic this weekend, against Western Technical on Friday and Rochester CTC Saturday.