WINONA, Minn. — For the lone Wednesday night game, the Saint Mary's women's basketball team (16-5, 10-3) delivered a dominant performance, rolling past St. Catherine (10-10, 5-8 MIAC), 70-41, at David R. Thies Arena. The Cardinals controlled the game from start to finish, never trailing and showcasing their depth with all five starters scoring in double figures.
Saint Mary's owned the paint with 32 points inside and won the rebounding battle, 44-28, while holding the Wildcats to just 41 points and a 2-for-12 mark from three-point range.
Ayla Olson led the Cardinals with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Kali Olson posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 boards which was a milestone night that saw her surpass 500 career points and 500 career rebounds. Lindsey Lettner and Brianna Nusbaum each added 11 points, with Lettner knocking down three triples and Nusbaum contributing two steals. Rylie Sternquist also reached double figures, helping fuel a balanced offensive attack.
The Cardinals set the tone early, jumping out to a strong first-quarter lead behind aggressive rebounding and efficient scoring in the lane. Kali Olson sparked the early momentum with multiple offensive rebounds and a putback, while Nusbaum and Sternquist added timely buckets. Saint Mary's closed the opening quarter up 17–9 after scoring 12 points in the paint and converting turnovers into easy transition opportunities.
Saint Mary's kept its foot on the gas in the second quarter, highlighted by a late surge capped by back-to-back three-pointers from Lettner, including a buzzer-beater assisted by Ayla Olson. The Cardinals went into halftime up 34–23, capitalizing on defensive rebounds and fast-break chances.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point, as the Cardinals locked in defensively and stretched the lead with a flurry of scoring. Ayla Olson ignited the run with a block and a steal that led to a fast-break layup, while Kali Olson, Julia Koch, and Sternquist added key baskets. Saint Mary's outscored St. Catherine 17–6 in the frame to take a commanding 51–29 advantage.
The Cardinals closed out the game with confidence in the fourth quarter, with Lettner, Nusbaum, and Koch connecting on timely shots and Emma Mann adding key assists. Ingrid Beaumont capped the night with a three-pointer in the final minutes as Saint Mary's cruised to the 70–41 victory.
The Cardinals will carry this momentum into their road test on Saturday, Feb. 7 for a 1:00 p.m. matchup at St. Olaf.
