NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Saint Mary's women's basketball team (17-5, 11-3) picked up a strong road win over St. Olaf (5-16, 0-14 MIAC), defeating the Oles 67–51 at the Skoglund Athletic Center while turning defense into offense with 29 points off turnovers.

The Cardinals controlled the paint all night, pouring in 40 points inside and grabbing 18 offensive rebounds to keep the pressure on.

Ayla Olson delivered a standout performance, pouring in a career-high 26 points to go along with 11 rebounds and four steals, making her presence felt on both ends of the floor. Brianna Nusbaum added 12 points and three steals.

Saint Mary's set the tone early, jumping out to an opening-quarter lead behind baskets from Nusbaum and Kali Olson. After St. Olaf briefly evened the score late in the period, Ayla Olson knocked down two free throws to give the Cardinals a 13–11 edge after one.

The momentum shifted firmly in Saint Mary's favor in the second quarter. A 7–0 run, sparked by Hadley Sammons, opened things up, and Ayla Olson capped the half with a clutch three-pointer. The Cardinals shot efficiently (7-for-11 from the field) and headed into halftime with a 35–25 lead.

The third quarter proved decisive, as Saint Mary's unleashed a 14–2 run, highlighted by back-to-back Ayla Olson layups. Kali Olson added key buckets, and the Cardinals' defense continued to force turnovers, stretching the advantage to 55–36 entering the final frame.

Saint Mary's stayed in control down the stretch, with Ayla Olson opening the quarter with another bucket and Julia Koch finishing strong around the rim. Even as St. Olaf attempted a late push, the Cardinals answered, with Jaiden Thompson closing out the scoring to seal the 67–51 victory.

The team will be back in action traveling to Augsburg on Wednesday, Feb. 11 for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop.