MOUNT VERNON, Iowa – The Saint Mary's women's basketball team traveled to Iowa for the Cornell Classic for their season opener against the host team Saturday night. The Cardinals open the season on the highest of notes and defeated the Rams 51-47. Head coach Courtney Shelton notches first career win as a Cardinal.
 
Neither team jumped onto the scoring board for the first two minutes of action until Victoria Marial tallies the first bucket of the season. Brianna Nusbaum found a cutting Rylie Sternquist who found her first basket and second of the game for the early lead.
 
It was a slow start for both teams as that basket came before a four minute dry spell for both teams. Sophomore Kali Olson broke the seal at the fourth minute and collected her first points. Only two points separate the Cardinals from the Rams at the end of the first period, 12-10.
 
Sternquist hits jumper four minutes into the second period for another slow start and the Rams took their first lead of the game 15-14.
 
Nusbaum adds to a four point swing for the Cardinals nailing a layup and then a steal for an outlet pass to Lindsey Lettner for a fast break to regain the lead. 18-15. The Cardinals closed out quarter two on a six to nothing run led by senior Alyssa Coleman with four points and Nusbuam with another two points.
 
On a person five point run, Nusbaum opened up the third quarter action with two lay ups and a free throw for her 11^th point of the night. Julia Koch and Brecia Carter add to the largest lead for the Cardinals with a 10 point lead, 39-29.
 
Sternquist drilled a three on the first possession of the fourth quarter. Marial gets her fourth point ending another three minute dry spell after the quick three. Three minutes of the game remained and the Cardinals held a seven point lead with six minutes remaining.
 
Turnovers and fouls hurt the Cardinals down the stretch as the Rams were able to get back in the game with free throw attempts and fast breaks. The Cardinals held a three point lead with a minute remaining.
 
Nusbaum was fouled and sent to the line to either make the game a one point or two point possession. She nails the second one to create a four point lead to win the game, 51-47.
 
The Cardinals were led by Nusbaum with 14 points and five assists. Sternquist shot above (.50) percent from the field.
 
The Cardinals have a quick turn around and play Coe College at 1 p.m. for the final game of the Cornell Classic.