St. Scholastica’s sports teams delivered an electrifying performance over the weekend, highlighted by a remarkable comeback from the women’s basketball team against No. 21-ranked Bethel University. The Saints overcame a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 65-63 victory in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) matchup held at Reif Gym in Duluth on March 9, 2024.
The game was intense, with St. Scholastica trailing 53-41 with just under nine minutes remaining. The Saints ignited a 10-0 run fueled by two three-pointers from Evie Schmitz and two close-range baskets from Kloey Lind, equalizing the score at 57 with 2:59 left on the clock. Schmitz, who scored 13 of her total 20 points in the final quarter, hit her third three-pointer to give the Saints a pivotal 60-59 lead with 2:37 to play. Despite a late steal and turnover from Schmitz, the Royals were unable to attempt a shot before the buzzer sounded.
In addition to Schmitz’s standout performance, Ava Haus recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to the team’s success. With this victory, the Saints improved their record to 11-4 overall and 6-2 in MIAC play. Earlier in the week, St. Scholastica secured a 62-48 win over Macalester, where Schmitz and Haus each scored five three-pointers, with Schmitz finishing with 22 points and Haus with 19.
Men’s Basketball Dominates Bethel
The men’s basketball team also had a stellar outing against Bethel, securing a decisive 93-73 win. All five starters scored in double figures, showcasing a powerful offensive display. The Saints shot over 58% from the field in both halves, despite a modest performance from three-point range at 4-for-13.
Leading the charge was Koy Nelson, who scored 25 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Davion Butler added 18 points while Jayden Brown contributed 15. After trailing early 11-2, the Saints regained control, leading 45-32 at halftime and maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Earlier in the week, St. Scholastica ended an eight-game losing streak with a thrilling 96-92 victory over Macalester, where Brown led the scoring with 20 points.
The Saints, now holding a record of 6-10 and 2-4 in MIAC play, are set to host Gustavus Adolphus on March 13, 2024.
Women’s Hockey Faces Challenges Against Concordia
In women’s hockey, the Saints faced a tough weekend against Concordia-Moorhead, suffering two defeats at Mars Lakeview Arena. The Cobbers defeated St. Scholastica 5-3 on March 8 and 5-2 on March 9.
In the first game, Gabby Gamst scored twice, giving the Saints a brief 3-2 lead early in the third period. However, Concordia responded with three unanswered goals, including a game-winner from Addie Moos. Goaltender Makenzie Cole made 34 saves, but her efforts were not enough to secure a win.
The second match mirrored the previous day’s outcome, as St. Scholastica led 2-1 after two periods, only to concede three goals in the third. Again, Moos found the net for the Cobbers, solidifying her team’s dominance. Cole recorded 27 saves in this game as well. With a record of 5-9-1 and 0-7-1 in MIAC play, the Saints will host Bethel on March 15, 2024.
Men’s Hockey Struggles on the Road
The men’s hockey team faced a challenging road trip against Concordia, losing 6-2 on March 8 and 4-1 on March 9. The Saints fell behind quickly in the first game, with the Cobbers scoring two goals within the first four minutes. Despite goals from Gavin Gunderson and Riley Girod, St. Scholastica could not recover.
On Saturday, Hunter Hanson opened the scoring for the Saints, but Concordia responded with four consecutive goals, including three in the final period. Brenden Stroble recorded 26 saves in that match. With a current record of 4-12-1 and 1-6-1 in MIAC play, the Saints will look to break a five-game losing streak when they face Bethel again on March 15, 2024.
This weekend showcased the resilience and determination of St. Scholastica’s athletic teams, with thrilling moments and strong performances highlighting their respective seasons. As they continue their campaigns, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how these teams build on their recent successes and challenges.
