SAINT PAUL, Minn. — For the first road game of 2026, the Saint Mary's women's basketball team (10-2, 4-0 MIAC) defeated Macalester College (1-9, 0-4 MIAC), 60-38, at the Leonard Center. The Cardinals led throughout, securing the win with a strong rebounding performance, out-rebounding the Scots 46-32. 

The Cardinals dominated in the paint, scoring 28 points compared to the Scots' 14, solidifying their undefeated conference record.

Saint Mary's opened the first quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing five turnovers and converting them into points. Rylie Sternquist initiated the scoring with a layup at 9:30, setting the tone early. 

The team controlled the paint, scoring eight points inside, and built momentum with Ayla Olson's layup at 4:59, extending their lead to 7–2. 

Kali Olson's three-pointer at 3:28, assisted by Emma Mann, widened the gap further as the quarter concluded with Brianna Nusbaum's three-pointer at the buzzer, pushing the Cardinals to a 15–6 lead over the Scots.

Saint Mary's gained significant momentum in the second quarter with a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Julia Koch's pair of 3-pointers at 7:43 and 6:23, both assisted by Hadley Sammons. This offensive push helped extend their lead, as they outscored the Scots 19–13 in the quarter. 

The Cardinals maintained control on the boards with a 12–5 rebounding advantage, which contributed to their extended possession. The quarter concluded with Saint Mary's leading 34–19.

Nusbaum led the way with key contributions, including a jumper at 8:21 to open the third assisted by Ayla Olson, and a layup at 3:55. Kali Olson added a significant defensive effort with a block at 5:56 and contributed on offense with an assist on a Sternquist layup at 5:07. 

Despite the Scots' attempt at a comeback, Saint Mary's held the advantage in rebounds and limited turnovers to keep control. The quarter concluded with the Cardinals leading 47-31, and they outscored the Scots 13-12 in the third.

Saint Mary's bolstered their lead in the fourth quarter with a crucial three-pointer from Ayla Olson just 10 seconds in, bringing the score to 50-31. Koch and Kali Olson added consecutive layups to extend the advantage, maintaining momentum for their team. 

Nusbaum contributed with two free throws and a jumper, pushing the score further to 58-33. The Cardinals concluded the game with a jumper by Emma Mann as the Cardinals took down the Scots with a final score of 60-38.

Nusbaum led the team with 17 points, making 7-of-16 field goals, and added three steals. Koch contributed 16 points, hitting 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Ayla Olson recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while also collecting two steals and two assists. Kali Olson posted 15 rebounds, including 12 defensive boards, and added six points to her stat line.

The Cardinals continue conference action next week traveling to No.19 ranked Bethel on Wednesday, Jan. 7 for a 5:30 p.m. tip off.