WINONA, MINN. - The Cardinal women's basketball team (6-7) was defeated by the nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus (14-0) 71-41 at home on Wednesday night.
 
The Gusties remained undefeated with a perfect record and led the MIAC with seven conference victories.
 
Lindsey Lettner stood out with her defensive prowess, recording two steals and adding eight points to the team's effort. Julia Koch also made a significant impact defensively with two steals, while contributing six points and four rebounds. Kali Olson led the team in scoring with 10 points, also securing eight rebounds. 
 
The Gusties opened the game and capitalized on turnovers by the Cardinals for an early 10-6 lead. As the quarter  progressed, Gustavus maintained their momentum, ending the quarter ahead 16-9.
 
In the second quarter, the Cardinals responded to the Gusties' burst with a pair of free throws by Lettner at 4:30, narrowing the gap to 16-11. However, the Gusties pushed the ball ahead on fast breaks and extended the lead to 24-13. Despite a late layup by Emma Mann for the Cardinals, the Gusties maintained its advantage, finishing the quarter with a 26-17 lead.

The Gusties shot 50 percent from the floor in the third quarter, maintaining a steady scoring pace that the Cardinals struggled to match. Brianna Nusbaum hit a jumper to halt the Gusties run, and the Cardinals began to find their rhythm, with Lettner and Koch scoring on floaters in the paint. 
 
Despite a late layup from Breacia Carter, the Cardinals couldn't narrow the gap, and the quarter ended with the Gusties in the lead.
 
Gustavus outscored the Cardinals 22-6, marking a decisive performance. The Cardinals struggled with shooting accuracy, managing only two baskets from 15 attempts, while the Gusties capitalized on defensive rebounds and fast breaks to widen the scoring gap.
 
The Cardinals kept pace with the ranked team for most of the game. 
 
They will travel to Macalester this Saturday for a 3 p.m. matchup.