NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (14-5, 8-3) earned a 71–59 road win over Carleton (6-12, 3-8) on Wednesday at West Gym, building an early cushion with a 27-point first quarter and dominating inside with 44 points in the paint.

Kali Olson posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, adding two steals and a block. Rylie Sternquist matched her with 16 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting night and dished out three assists. Brianna Nusbaum finished with 11 points and two assists, while Ayla Olson added 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

The Cardinals set the tone early, jumping out to a 27–9 lead after one quarter behind aggressive offense and strong play in the paint. Olson was active around the basket on both ends, and Saint Mary's turned defensive pressure into 12 points off turnovers. 

Emma Mann capped the quarter with a three-pointer to punctuate the fast start.

Saint Mary's stayed in control in the second quarter, continuing to get quality looks and timely defensive stops. Nusbaum scored on a layup midway through the period following a steal by Hadley Sammons, and the Cardinals answered every Carleton run to maintain momentum.

A late layup from Olson helped Saint Mary's carry a 41–25 lead into halftime.

The Cardinals opened the third quarter with a 7–0 run, highlighted by a Sternquist jumper and a three from Ayla Olson. Kali Olson added another bucket off an offensive rebound as Saint Mary's continued to control the glass, pulling down 15 rebounds in the quarter. Both teams scored nine points in the period, keeping the Cardinals firmly in front.

Ayla Olson got things started at the free-throw line in the fourth, while Nusbaum and Kali Olson added key baskets in the paint. 

Julia Koch knocked down a three to stretch the lead, and despite a late push from the Knights, the Cardinals held on for the 71–59 victory.

The Cardinals take the conference sweep of the Knights and look for a rematch against the Bethel Royals this Saturday, Jan. 31 for a 1:00 p.m. game time in David R. Thies Arena.