NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (12-11) hit the road for their final regular-season trip, facing off against St. Olaf College (7-17) and secured their last conference sweep of the season with a 66-49 victory over the Oles.

With the win, the Cardinals clinched their first MIAC Playoff berth since the 2021-22 season!

Brianna Nusbaum led the Cardinals in scoring with 18 points, shooting 7-for-12 from the field, and added three steals, which was a team-high along with her three assists. Julia Koch contributed significantly with 13 points, making 5-of-11 field goals, and recorded two steals and three assists. 

Rylie Sternquist was notable for her defensive play, leading the team with four steals, while also scoring nine points. Kali Olson had a strong presence under the basket, pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds, including eight defensive boards, and scoring nine points.

The Cardinals opened the game with a strong performance, converting 9 of 13 baskets and creating an early lead with a three-pointer from Nusbaum at 7:16 and another from Lindsey Lettner at 6:32. St. Olaf struggled with shooting, making only 5 of 16 attempts, but managed to stay competitive with a layup and free throw at 6:10, bringing the score to 6-5. 

The Cardinals extended their lead with a 6-0 run in the last two minutes, highlighted by Nusbaum's fast-break layup at 00:21. The Oles closed the quarter with a three-pointer at the buzzer, ending the first quarter at 21-12 in favor of the Cardinals.

In the second quarter, Koch made a layup at 7:13 and later contributed a crucial three-pointer at 2:39, assisted by Alyssa Coleman, to push the score to 32-20. St. Olaf responded with a three-pointer at 2:25, inching closer but the Cardinals headed into halftime with a 35-29 advantage.

In the third quarter, the Cardinals extended their lead over the Oles with a strong offensive performance, outscoring the Oles 18-7. Olson contributed significantly with multiple rebounds and layups, including a successful layup at 9:48 that set the tone for the quarter. 

Nusbaum also played a key role, assisting on plays and scoring a layup and a free throw at 8:30, which increased their lead. St. Olaf struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities, including a series of missed layups, while the Cardinals capitalized on defensive rebounds to maintain their momentum throughout the quarter.

Early in the final quarter, St. Olaf contributed with layups, narrowing the gap slightly. However, the Cardinals maintained their control with a three-pointer by Emma Mann at 1:48 and a layup by Victoria Marial at 0:48, securing their victory and adding to a four game win streak.

The Cardinals will host Macalester for their final home game of the season and Senior Day at 1:00 p.m.