WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (13-4, 7-3 MIAC) fell to the College of Saint Benedict (12-5, 7-3 MIAC), 73-68, in a tense league matchup at David R. Thies Arena on Saturday. Despite leading with 33 rebounds, the Cardinals were unable to overcome 22 turnovers in the narrow defeat.
Ayla Olson recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while adding four steals. Rylie Sternquist led the scoring with 25 points, converting 10 of 12 free throws. Brianna Nusbaum contributed defensively with six steals and also scored nine points. Lindsey Lettner tallied seven points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded two assists.
Saint Mary's started strong in the first quarter, opening with a 4-0 lead following consecutive layups by Olson, with an assist from Lettner at 8:58. The team maintained its momentum, aided by a swift 3-pointer from Sternquist at 4:46, assisted by Nusbaum, which pushed their lead to 9-7.Â
The Cardinals capitalized on turnovers, extending their advantage to 18-9 with a layup by Sternquist at 1:36. The quarter concluded with Saint Mary's leading 18-12.
The Cardinals capitalized on a key stretch midway through the second quarter with a series of successful plays in the paint, including a layup by Kali Olson at 7:00, assisted by Ayla Olson, pushing the home team ahead. Lettner followed up with a 3-pointer at 6:23, extending their brief lead. However, the Bennies responded quickly. The quarter concluded with Saint Benedict leading 36–29.
They surged ahead in the third quarter with a critical layup by Nusbaum at 7:00, gaining a narrow lead. Lettner contributed a pivotal 3-pointer at 7:42 to tie the score, and Ayla Olson's layup at 4:11 helped regain the advantage. Despite the Bennies' efforts to close the gap, Sternquist's free throws at 1:24 extended the lead to four. However, a late layup and free throws at the buzzer resulted in a 43–43 tie, ending the quarter level.
Saint Mary's made an effort to close the gap with a three-pointer from Nusbaum at 7:57, narrowing the score to 49-48. However, the Bennies answered with a series of successful plays, including a three-pointer that extended their lead to 58-50. Despite Olson's persistence in the paint, scoring multiple layups, the Cardinals could not overcome the deficit.
In the final minutes, the Cardinals attempted to rally, with Sternquist hitting crucial free throws to keep the game within reach. Yet, the Bennies maintained their advantage with free throws in the closing seconds. The game ended with Saint Benedict securing a 73-68 victory.
The Cardinals will be back in action at Carleton on Wednesday, Jan. 28 for a 7:00 p.m. tip off.
