NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Gustavus women’s basketball team rolled to its second straight MIAC victory, defeating St. Olaf 71-61 on Wednesday night. The Gusties improve to 6-1 on the season and 4-1 in conference play.
The Gusties got off to a strong start, erupting for 27 first quarter points, including five from Izzy Quick (Jr., Brooklyn Park). The Gusties held the Oles to just 13 through the first frame, and led by as many as 17 at 21-4. A push from the Oles would bring them within 12 in the second quarter, but the Gusties would add 18 of their own, heading into the locker room with a 45-24 lead.
Both teams struggled to get the ball rolling in the third, but it would be the Oles who would emerge with the momentum after the half, outscoring the Gusties 24-17 in the third quarter and 13-9 in the fourth. St. Olaf would come from behind to cut the difference to eight in the final minute, thanks to the efforts of Rachel Kelly who had 10 points on the night, but the Gustie lead would hold strong for a 71-61 MIAC victory.
Three Gusties finished with 10 points on the night, as Kylie Baranick (So., Maple Grove), Anna Sanders (Sr., Vadnais Heights), and Quick all shared the team lead. Sanders posted the team lead in steals, adding five on the night, while Quick led the team with six rebounds. The Gusties finished the night shooting 45.5% from the field with a 60.0% mark from the free throw line.
The Gusties are back at Gus Young Court on Saturday, facing Augsburg for the first time this season in a rematch of the 2022 MIAC Playoff title game at 3 p.m.