KENOSHA, Wis. - The Luther women's basketball team tipped off their 2026-27 season in Kenosha, Wis. taking on the Carthage College Firebirds. The Norse fell to the Firebirds, 72-64, on Sunday afternoon at Tarble Arena.
The Norse opened the game strong, taking a 16-12 lead before Carthage closed the first quarter with a run to take a 20-16 advantage. Luther trailed 40-25 at halftime but responded with a strong third quarter, outscoring the Firebirds 23-8 to even the score at 48-48 entering the final period.
Luther carried its momentum into the fourth quarter, building a 57-50 lead following a basket from Abigail Panka with 6:42 remaining. Carthage responded with a late offensive push to regain the lead and held on down the stretch for the 72-64 victory.
Haylie Strum led the Norse with 16 points and eight assists, while Lexi Thomas added 14 points, including four three-pointers. Panka led the Norse on the glass with 14 rebounds while also adding seven points. Adalyn Long and Abby Anderson each contributed eight points.
Luther finished the afternoon shooting 41.7 percent from the field and knocked down nine three-pointers.
Up next Luther will play their home opener in the valley on Wednesday Nov. 11th. Tip off will be at 6 p.m. on the Birkestrand Family Court.
