WINONA, Minn. — When it comes to scoring points, Brooklyn Paulson (Holmen, Wis.) has had the magic touch for the Saint Mary's University this season.
 
Last week was no exception.
 
Paulson poured in team-highs in points in both of the Cardinals games last week, closing out SMU's two conference games averaging 20.0 points-per-game and 6.0 rebounds-per game.
 
And Monday afternoon, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference rewarded the senior sharp-shooter for her efforts, naming Paulson the conference's Athlete of the Week.
 
Paulson was an offensive juggernaut in SMU's showdown with St. Olaf last Wednesday, scoring 24 points on 9 of 20 shooting with two 3-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 effort from the free throw line — and missed out our on her second double-double of the season by one rebound — in the Cardinals' 72-63 loss to the Oles. Paulson followed that up with a 16-point, three-rebound effort in a 65-51 loss to Bethel three days later.
 
For the week, Paulson finished 16-for-42 from the field with three 3-pointers and a 5 of 6 showing from the charity stripe en route to her 20.0 ppg scoring average. She also totaled 12 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
 
Paulson — who has led the team in scoring in each of its last seven games — and eight times in the Cardinals' first nine contests — heads into the holiday break owning a league-best 18.0 ppg scoring average, hitting on 55 of 159 field goal attempts with 19 3-pointers, while going 33-for-42 from the free throw line. She also leads the team in rebounds with 62 (6.9 rpg) and has chipped in 20 assists, eight steals and five blocked shots
 
The Paulson-led Cardinals are now off until after the holiday break, returning to the court on Wednesday, Jan. 5, when they head to Gustavus' Gus Young Court for a 7 p.m. showdown with the Gusties.