The NMU women’s basketball team ended a successful winter break on a sour note, Saturday, losing by one point in overtime to Northwoods University. The ‘Cats came into the game with a 4-1 record over the winter break, with the only loss coming in a two point game against pre-season Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) favorite Grand Valley State University. "I’m impressed with how the team played over break but the losses were disappointing," head coach Troy Mattson said. "The two losses went down to the last play; its disappointing, but the progress of the team is what is important." In Saturday’s game the Wildcats (7-8 overall, 2-5 GLIAC) battled the Northwoods Timberwolves (12-2 overall, 5-1 GLIAC) in a back and forth game that saw the lead change hands 11 times. NMU took a six-point lead with 4:22 left in the game before the Timberwolves went on a 6-0 scoring run, capped by Sarah Golwacki’s game tying three pointer with six seconds left in the game. In overtime the ‘Cats failed to maintain the lead and were outscored by one point. "It’s always heart breaking to lose close games," Senior Allison Carroll said. NMU kicked off its play over break with a pair of wins over Marygrove College and Upper Peninsula foe Finlandia in the MTU Women’s Basketball Classic. Winning by a score of 91-42 over Finlandia on the first day of the tournament and defeating Marygrove 88-20 on the second day. The ‘Cats jumped on Finlandia early and had a 48-13 point lead at halftime. The Wildcats were led by sophomore Angie Leckson, who scored her first career double-double in the game. NMU continued the trend of starting quickly the next night against Marygrove, holding the opponent to only seven points in the first half. The quick starts in these games allowed Mattson to play younger players who haven’t seen extended minutes in games so far this season. "I like the future of the team. Everyone is coming back next year except LaShawn (Lambert) and Allison. Our young players have looked good so far, and we have a strong recruiting class for next year," Mattson said. NMU will continue the season this weekend as they look to improve their conference record by taking on two GLIAC teams at home. The ‘Cats are currently tied for the last spot in the GLIAC tournament. "Right now what is important for us is getting into the [GLIAC tournament]. We know the potential of this team, and I think other teams know our potential," Mattson said. "We aren’t a team that other teams in the conference would like to be playing in the first round." On Saturday. the Wildcats will take on Wayne State (6-7 overall, 2-4 GLIAC). On Sunday they will face Hillsdale (12-2 overall)., 5-1 GLIAC).