ALBION – Albion College, playing shorthanded with just three players available on the bench, played hard, but it was overmatched by third-ranked Calvin College, 77-42, in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener for both teams.

Calvin shot 54 percent from the field in the first half as it built a 42-20 lead at halftime.

Taylor Nugent knocked down a 3-point basket and Darian Payne added a jumper as Albion trailed 9-5 in the early going. Nugent finished with a team-high 14 points. Katie Thompson added 10.

Kayla Engelhard, who led Calvin with 17 points, scored two baskets as the Knights went on a 7-0 run to build a double-digit lead. Carissa Verkaik added 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks for the Knights.

Albion continues its early slate of MIAA games Saturday when it visits Adrian College.