St. Scholastica achieved impressive victories across multiple sports disciplines during a recent competitive weekend, highlighted by the women’s basketball team’s narrow victory over the No. 21-ranked Bethel University. The CSS women rallied from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 65-63 win at Reif Gym in Duluth on January 20, 2024.
Trailing 53-41 with less than nine minutes remaining, St. Scholastica ignited a remarkable comeback, fueled by a 10-0 scoring run. Evie Schmitz played a pivotal role, hitting two crucial three-pointers along with two close-range baskets from Kloey Lind. With just under three minutes left, the game was tied at 57. Schmitz then scored 13 of her total 20 points in the fourth quarter, hitting a decisive three-pointer that put the Saints ahead 60-59 with 2:37 to play. Despite a turnover and a steal in the final seconds, St. Scholastica managed to protect their lead, preventing Bethel from attempting a shot before the buzzer.
In addition to Schmitz’s standout performance, Ava Haus contributed significantly with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. This victory improved CSS’s record to 11-4 overall and 6-2 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Earlier in the week, the Saints defeated Macalester 62-48, with both Schmitz and Haus scoring 22 and 19 points, respectively, and each making five three-pointers.
Men’s Basketball Dominates Bethel
The men’s basketball team matched the excitement with a commanding 93-73 win over Bethel. All five starters reached double figures, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that shot over 58% from the field. Koy Nelson led the Saints with 25 points from 10-for-15 shooting, while Davion Butler and Jayden Brown added 18 and 15 points, respectively.
Despite a slow start, falling behind 11-2, CSS regrouped to lead 45-32 at halftime, maintaining a double-digit advantage throughout the second half. The Saints ended an eight-game losing streak earlier in the week with a thrilling 96-92 win against Macalester, where Brown scored 20 points, leading a strong second-half performance.
CSS now holds a record of 6-10 overall and 2-4 in MIAC play as they prepare to host Gustavus Adolphus on January 24, 2024.
Women’s Hockey Faces Tough Series
In women’s hockey, the St. Scholastica team faced challenges against Concordia-Moorhead, losing both games over the weekend. The Cobbers edged CSS 5-3 on Friday and followed up with a 5-2 victory on Saturday at Mars Lakeview Arena.
On Friday, CSS took a 3-2 lead with Gabby Gamst scoring her second goal of the night early in the third period. Unfortunately, Concordia responded with three unanswered goals, including a critical power-play game-winner from Addie Moos. Goalkeeper Makenzie Cole recorded 34 saves during the match.
The following day mirrored the first, with St. Scholastica leading 2-1 after two periods, only to see Concordia score three quick goals in the final frame, including another game-winner by Moos. Cole made 27 saves in the game. The women’s hockey team now sits at 5-9-1 overall and 0-7-1 in MIAC competition, and they are set to host Bethel in a home-and-home series starting January 26, 2024.
Men’s Hockey Struggles Against Concordia
The men’s hockey team also faced difficulties during their weekend road trip, suffering losses to Concordia-Moorhead, 6-2 and 4-1. The Friday match saw CSS concede two goals within the first four minutes and trail 6-1 midway through the game. Gavin Gunderson and Riley Girod each scored for the Saints, while Brenden Stroble made 15 saves in relief of starting goalie Eino Rissanen.
On Saturday, CSS opened the scoring with a goal from Hunter Hanson, but the Cobbers responded with four unanswered goals, including three in the final period. Stroble recorded 26 saves, and the men’s hockey team now looks to break a five-game losing streak when they host Bethel on January 26, 2024.
The weekend performances highlighted the resilience and competitive spirit of St. Scholastica’s athletic teams, setting the stage for upcoming matchups and potential recoveries across the board.
