SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus women’s basketball team put up a season-high 91 points against St. Olaf on Wednesday night, cruising past the Oles 91-44 for the MIAC victory. Four Gusties scored double digits, helping the team improve to 13-2 overall and 10-2 in the conference.
Anna Sanders (Sr., Vadnais Heights) put the Gusties on the board, netting the team’s first five — and that was just a taste of what was to come from the Gustie offense. St. Olaf shot 75.0% from the field in the first quarter to stay within 10 of the Gusties, but the hope was short-lived. The Oles made a push to close in on the Gustavus lead at 26-25 in the second frame, but 10 points from Riley Queensland (Jr., Grand Meadow) got the Gusties back on track. Queensland converted on three straight possessions, adding two 3-pointers and a layup, helping the Gusties to a 20-point lead after two.
The halftime break gave the Gusties just what they needed, erupting for 43 second half points to the Oles’ 16. Gustavus scored 19 off turnovers in the second half, and went on a scoring run of 17 to build up the lead. Rylie Schnell (Fy., Byron) added the finishing touch on the game in the final seconds, coming off the bench to hit a last second 3-pointer, sealing the win and helping the Gusties eclipse the 90-point mark for the first time this season.
For the second night in a row, four Gusties put up double-digits. Queensland led the team and the game, totaling 18 points on the night and shooting 7-for-9, hitting four of five 3-point attempts. Sanders posted 13, followed closely by Emma Kniefel (Jr., Medford) who added 12. Rachel Kawiecki (So., Richfield) put on an impressive performance once again, totaling 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
The Gusties are back in action on Saturday, heading to Northfield to take on Carleton at 3 p.m.