KENOSHA, Wis.---The NMU Wildcat women's basketball team opened their season up with a big win over storied foe Parkside, 77-74, Saturday night.

The women of Northern Michigan University fell down early but a quick comeback late in the opening quarter led them to a 20-18 lead at the end of the first. Samantha Potter and Emily Coveyou led the team in points with four each through the first 10 minutes of action.

The Rangers had tied things up by halftime, with both teams heading to the locker room with 41 points. Makaylee Kuhn had a standout quarter, posting eight of the team's 21 points while Ana Rhude had another six for the squad.

The Wildcats pulled ahead in the third quarter, scoring 20 points while holding their opponent to just 11 but the fourth quarter leaned more in the favor of the Rangers until the final minute of play.

After jumping out to the 73-66 lead, the Rangers made a push, ultimately taking the lead with 30 seconds left in regulation. With 13 seconds to go, Kuhn was fouled and sent to the line for a try at two shots. Making both, she helped put the Wildcats back up by one, 75-74, before picking up the defensive rebound a few seconds later to sink another two free throws for the 77-74 final.

The women return to the court Sunday to close out the regular season series with the Rangers, looking for the sweep. The game gets underway in Wisconsin at 6 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 10. It will be broadcast on 100.3 The Point FM and NewsTalk 93.5 FM/AM 600 in Escanaba.