Box Score

Duluth, MN. - The St. Scholastica Saints traveled to St. Paul to face Hamline University on November 9, looking to bounce back and secure a win on the road. Both teams were eager to make an impact in this late-season matchup, and St. Scholastica showcased their offensive strength and defensive resilience.

1st Quarter

St. Scholastica set an energetic pace early on. Quarterback Donald West (St. Paul, Minn./Woodbury HS (Iowa Central)) led the Saints' opening drive with key completions to Andrew Burgess and strong runs from Nick Schlender (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater HS), who capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. Hamline responded with a touchdown, evening the score at 7-7. The Saints quickly regained the lead when West connected with Ricky Weber (Roseville, Minn./Roseville HS) on a 30-yard touchdown pass, putting St. Scholastica up 14-7.

2nd Quarter

In the second quarter, the Saints' special teams made a big impact. Isaiah Walters (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury HS (Iowa Western)) returned a Hamline punt 61 yards, setting up a touchdown drive that culminated in a 14-yard pass from West to Alec Ralph (Houston, TX/), pushing the Saints' lead to 21-7. Hamline answered with a strong drive and closed the gap to 21-14 before halftime, after Alejandro Villanueva found the end zone.

3rd Quarter

The Saints took control early in the third quarter when Austin Mundt (Deer River, Minn./Deer River HS) recovered a muffed kick, setting St. Scholastica up at Hamline's 28-yard line. West connected with Burgess for a 16-yard gain, and Schlender ran for 5 yards before West hit Weber for his second touchdown pass of the game, extending the lead to 28-14. Hamline answered with a 9-yard rushing touchdown from Villanueva, but the Saints responded when Schlender powered in a 2-yard touchdown to make it 35-21.

The Saints' defense stepped up with a fumble recovery by Colby Jorschumb (Bloomington, Minn./Bloomington Jefferson HS), setting up another strong drive. Despite a turnover on downs at the Hamline 5-yard line, St. Scholastica maintained a 35-21 lead as the third quarter ended.

4th Quarter

The fourth quarter began with Schlender pushing through for a 1-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 42-21. Hamline mounted a late drive, capped by a 4-yard rushing touchdown from Villanueva, narrowing the score to 42-28. However, St. Scholastica's defense held firm, with Mundt recovering a crucial fumble at Hamline's 45-yard line to seal the victory. West took several kneel-downs, running out the clock for a 42-28 win.

Key Performers

• Nick Schlender (Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater HS): Dominated both on the ground and in the red zone with two touchdowns and crucial runs.

• Donald West (St. Paul, Minn./Woodbury HS (Iowa Central)): Played a pivotal role in the passing game, connecting with Weber and Ralph for touchdowns and keeping the offense moving.

• Ricky Weber (Roseville, Minn./Roseville HS): Caught a 30-yard touchdown and added another score to his name.

• Austin Mundt (Deer River, Minn./Deer River HS): Made key defensive plays, including a fumble recovery that sealed the game for the Saints.
  
   

With the 42-28 victory, St. Scholastica's strong offensive and defensive play gives them momentum heading into the MIAC Playoff match-up on Saturday, November 16 at noon against Macalester College.