ESTHERVILLE — The Marshalltown Community College women’s basketball team tipped off the season with a 61-50 victory over Milwaukee Area Technical College on Friday night at the Iowa Lakes Classic.

MCC freshman guard Shenell Stewart scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Tigers to the season-opening triumph. Destiny Sao-Martinez added 11 points, and Jalen Shaw contributed seven points. Kenijae Cherry and Abigail Gradwell both chipped in six points.

The Tigers led 28-11 at the half before outscoring the Stormers 22-15 in the third quarter to expand their advantage to 24. MATC won the fourth quarter 24-11 but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Rachel Schlies led Madison Area Tech with 17 points and Mia Sallinen added 12.

MCC resumes play in the Iowa Lakes Classic on Saturday with a noon game against North Platte.