The trip to Minnesota didn't begin the way the Wolves wanted it to on Saturday.

A slow start in which Joliet (5-6) was outscored 29-8 in the opening quarter put the Wolves into a hole they couldn't climb out of. Despite finishing strong, Joliet fell the the top-ranked NJCAA Division III Rochester Community and Technical College, 80-63.

"Honestly, rankings don't matter," said sophomore Maggie Grady. "We came out looking to get a win. I was more confident coming into this game because we were considered the underdogs."

Grady recorded a double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. She also had four steals.

"Our team worked really well towards the end, we just have to have a better start," she added.

Joliet outscored the opponent in each of the middle quarters and managed to cut the lead to six in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Grace Harris finished with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal. Freshman Kiyah Robertson also scored 14 points, adding five rebounds and a steal of her own.

"We proved that we can compete with the top teams in the country," head coach Shaun Sanderson said. "We have to learn to protect the ball and take good shots in those moments when we have teams on their heels."

The Wolves made 25 of 74 field goals for a 33.8% shooting while going just 11.1% from beyond the arc. 

"This game will increase our basketball IQ," Sanderson added.

Joliet remains in Minnesota on Sunday when the Wolves face Anoka-Ramsey Community College at 2 p.m.