Zachary Tlusty-
The Women’s Basketball team clinched the regular season MIAC Championship with a dominating performance over Hamline last weekend on Senior Night. The team ended the season on a four-game win streak with all wins coming with a differential with 25 points or more.
“It was super awesome to win. We knew what we had to do and had a solid game plan which helped us come prepared. It was also awesome to celebrate the seniors in that way as well,” Junior Rachel Kawiecki said.
Senior night is a great occasion for Seniors to get a spotlight for their contributions and to win on an occasion like that makes it even more gratifying.
“It was such a great feeling. To continue to accomplish so many amazing things with this team has been incredible to be a part of. With that being said, It was even more special to do it on Senior Day. Our group of seniors has been so influential and crucial to our team’s success. Playing with such great chemistry and leadership has been arguably the biggest reason for all of our accomplishments. We truly love one another like family and work hard for each other every single day. I truly couldn’t ask for a better group of women,” Senior Izzy Quick said.
The Gusties started the game getting out to an early lead with the score being 21-11 to end the first quarter. That was the closest the score would be for the rest of the game as Gustavus dropped the hammer ending the half with a score of 44-16.
Throughout the 2nd and 3rd quarter, Gustavus allowed only nine points, holding Hamline to 3-25 shooting from the field combined throughout those 2 quarters. This was a reason the team was able to get out to such a monstrous lead. The third quarter would end with a score of 60-20.
“We take a lot of pride in our defense, and it has been something that has kept us in, and also won us games. If our offense isn’t going our way, we need our defense to be our constant. That is something the coaches have preached to us,” Quick said.
To start the 4th quarter, Coach Laurie Kelly put all of the seniors in to give them their well-deserved recognition for all of the work that they have put into this program. Seniors Quick, Syd Hauger, Lexi Schermann, Riley Queensland, and Emma Kniefe, all got to go out on the floor together for one last regular season game on the Gus Young Court.
“It was special because this was the core group I came into Gustavus with. So getting to play those minutes together was just truly special – and I can’t thank Coach K enough for that,” Hauger said.
The game would end with a score of 77-42, giving Gustavus momentum while heading into the MIAC Playoffs. Hauger led the score sheet with 14 points four rebounds and three steals. Following her was Kawiecki with 12 points and seven boards.
“Coach Kelly gives us a very in-depth scouting report which allows us to be prepared no matter who we are playing. I think that is what is so unique here at Gustavus, our coaching staff always has us prepared,” said Kawiecki.
The reigning champs are looking forward to hosting another championship game this upcoming Saturday if they can hold home court on Thursday. Their opponent Thursday is determined after the Tuesday night playoff matchups and they will face the lowest seed of the two winners.
A key for the Women to continue their success going into the playoff will be their defense. Which has been outstanding all year. It has been a nightmare for offenses to face all year, making the Gusties a tough playoff matchup.
“The main thing we need to continue to focus on is our defense. We take a lot of pride in our defense, and it has been something that has kept us in, and also won us games. If our offense isn’t going our way, we need our defense to be our constant. That is something the coaches have preached to us. Also, we need to remember to have fun, enjoy the little things, and work hard every time we step foot on the floor,” Quick said.
On Saturday if the Women have won their game on Thursday night, they will host the Conference Championship game on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. on Gus Young Court. So make sure to come out and support the Women as they try to win a consecutive MIAC Championship.