WINONA, Minn. — It was a celebration in every sense of the word inside the David R. Thies Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (19-5, 13-3 MIAC) powered past St. Scholastica (16-7, 11-5 MIAC), 80-63, clinching a spot in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoffs for the second consecutive season and making Senior Day one to remember for Lindsey Lettner.
With the postseason officially punched, the Cardinals left no doubt in the second half, outscoring the Saints 44-27 after a halftime tie. Saint Mary's turned 19 turnovers into 17 points, dominated the glass 39-28, and showcased the depth and defensive grit that has defined its season.
Brianna Nusbaum put on a show, pouring in 27 points while adding eight steals in a relentless two-way performance. Ayla Olson delivered her sixth double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, going an impressive 11-for-13 from the free-throw line.
But the afternoon belonged to Lindsey Lettner.
On a special Senior Day, Lettner caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down five three-pointers on her way to 15 points and adding three steals for good measure. Fittingly, she buried a three in the final seconds to put an exclamation point on the celebration.
Saint Mary's set the tone early, forcing seven first-quarter turnovers and collecting seven steals to jump out in front. After battling to a 36-36 tie at halftime, the Cardinals erupted in the third quarter behind back-to-back triples from Nusbaum and clutch free throws from Olson to create separation. From there, it was all Cardinals.
The fourth quarter showcased Saint Mary's at its best with active hands on defense and strong rebounding. Kali Olson controlled the paint, Hadley Sammons provided key energy plays, and the Cardinals steadily stretched the lead before Lettner's final dagger sealed the 80-63 victory.
With the win, the Cardinals were just the second team to clinch a playoff spot behind Concordia. The Cardinals next matchup is on the road facing Hamline, who clinched a spot in playoffs, on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
