WINONA, Minn. —The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (15-4, 9-3) delivered a massive home win, knocking off nationally ranked No. 24 Bethel (14-5, 9-3) 62–47 at David R. Thies Arena. Fueled by a dominant 38–28 rebounding edge and an 18-point performance at the free-throw line, the Cardinals controlled the game from start to finish and proved they belong in the MIAC title conversation.
Rylie Sternquist led the charge with a game-high 20 points, drilling two three-pointers, going an impressive 8-for-9 from the line, and snagging five steals in a relentless all-around performance. Brianna Nusbaum followed with 15 points, hitting 6-of-8 free throws while adding two blocks and two steals. Kali Olson powered her way to a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, plus three blocks.
Saint Mary's wasted no time setting the tone. Nusbaum sparked the early momentum, and Olson took over inside with strong finishes and a defensive block as the Cardinals jumped out to a 12–4 lead midway through the first quarter. The defensive pressure was relentless with three blocks and four steals in the opening frame helped the Cardinals close the quarter ahead 16–11.
The Cardinals turned it up even more in the second quarter, dominating the paint and pouring in 14 inside points. Olson opened the scoring with a layup off a Lettner assist, Sternquist attacked the rim and lived at the free-throw line, and Julia Koch kept the pressure on as Saint Mary's exploded to a 39–20 halftime lead.
The momentum carried into the third, with Ayla Olson finishing a smooth layup off a Sternquist assist and Kali Olson battling for offensive boards and second-chance points. Bethel made a push, but the Cardinals stayed composed and closed the quarter up 46–33.
In the final period, Lettner buried a three-pointer early, Olson added another layup, and Sternquist sealed the deal with a late triple and clutch free throws as Saint Mary's calmly closed out the 62–47 victory.
The Cardinals were able to stop themselves from being swept by the Royals. They return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at home hosting a rematch against the St. Catherine Wildcats.
