ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (8-8) is swept in conference by the College of Saint Benedict (11-6), falling to the Bennies by nine on Saturday afternoon, 73-64.

Rylie Sternquist was the team's top scorer, achieving a career high with 20 points, including two three-pointers, on 8-of-15 shooting. Brianna Nusbaum scored 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting and contributed two steals. Julia Koch was a key player on the boards, pulling down eight rebounds while adding eight points and two assists. Alyssa Coleman also made a significant impact with seven points and five rebounds, along with a steal and an assist. 

Saint Benedict's defense was stifling in the first quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into points as they surged to a 7-1 lead. Despite a few successful free throws from Kali Olson and Coleman for the Cardinals, the Bennies kept the momentum, extending their lead to 15-5 with contributions from several players. The quarter ended with Saint Benedict ahead 23-8, thanks to efficient shooting and strong defensive play.

In the second quarter, both teams scored seven baskets, but the Cardinals managed to edge out Saint Benedict with a slightly better free throw performance, securing three out of four attempts. Saint Benedict started the quarter with a layup at the 9:00 mark, setting an early tone for the home team. However, the Cardinals Nusbaum and Sternquist responded with key layups and jumpers, closing the gap. Koch finished strong with a series of successful free throws and a layup, helping her team outscore Saint Benedict 18-16 in the quarter.
The Cardinals trailed 39-26 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Bennies opened with a strong 15-3 run. The Cardinals struggled early, however, Sternquist helped to stabilize the team with a three-pointer and a layup, contributing to a brief scoring burst that brought the score to 46-31. Saint Benedict maintained their lead but the Cardinals countered with a late push, cutting the deficit to 58-43 with contributions from Coleman and Nusbaum. 

In the final minutes, the Cardinals trailed but worked to close the gap, starting with Nusbaum's layup and free throw to bring the score to 58-48. Saint Benedict responded with scoring consecutive layups, extending their lead. 

Despite a strong offensive push from the Cardinals, highlighted by a three-pointer from Lindsey Lettner at 1:30, the quarter ended with Saint Benedict keeping their lead. The Cardinals scoring surge wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit, and they ultimately fell to the Bennies on the road.

The Cardinals had plenty of opportunities to secure the win, earning 20 second-chance chances compared to just two for the Bennies.

The Cardinals next game is on Wednesday, January 29th, at Hamline University, with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off.