WINONA, Minn. - The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (10-11) secured their first conference sweep of the season with a 79-58 victory over the Augsburg Auggies (3-19) at home on Wednesday night. The Cardinals, guided by freshman Rylie Sternquist's career-high 25 points, maintained a strong lead throughout the game.

Sternquist led the Cardinals with a standout performance, scoring 25 points, including three three-pointers, and going a perfect eight-for-eight from the free-throw line. She also contributed six rebounds and four assists. 

Brianna Nusbaum added 16 points, shooting five-for-12 from the field and two-for-four from beyond the arc, while also providing four assists and four rebounds. Kali Olson was effective on the boards with seven rebounds and added 10 points on five-for-eight shooting. Lindsey Lettner made a defensive impact with two steals, complementing her three rebounds and two points. Emma Mann contributed five points, hitting all of her field goal attempts, including one three-pointer.

Augsburg started strong with a three-pointer within the opening minute, but the Cardinals quickly responded with a three of their own from Julia Koch, tying the score. The Auggies countered with a layup, but the Cardinals maintained defensive pressure, forcing five turnovers from Augsburg. 

Nusbaum's late three-pointer and Sternquist's assists helped the Cardinals extend their lead, while turnovers and fouls plagued Augsburg, limiting their scoring opportunities putting the Cardinals ahead, 20-14 in the first quarter.

The Cardinals began the second quarter with a big three-point shot by Sternquist at 9:45, setting the tone for their offensive performance. Sternquist continued to lead with consistent scoring, including two free throws and another three-pointer, contributing to the Cardinals 26 points in the quarter. 

Augsburg responded with a three-pointer and a layup, but struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities, scoring only 12 points. The Cardinals capitalized on their efficiency from the field, making eight-of-13 shots, including four-of-six from beyond the arc, while Augsburg made only five of 17 attempts and ended the half on top by 20 points, 46-26.

In the third quarter, Augsburg outscored the Cardinals 21-16, but the Cardinals lead remained intact from halftime. They maintained a strong advantage, with Augsburg never getting within 11 points during the third quarter.

During the fourth quarter, the Cardinals maintained a steady lead over the Auggies, starting with Sternquist making two free throws at 10:00 to extend their lead. Midway through the quarter, the Auggies hit a three-pointer, but the Cardinals answered with a jumper from Mann and a top of the key three-pointer by Alyssa Coleman, pushing the score to 75-58. 

The Cardinals sealed their performance with Koch and Nusbaum adding nailing last minute points. The team would go on to sweep the Auggies and secure the home victory, 79-58.

The Cardinals are back in action traveling to Carleton on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.