DULUTH, Minn. - The College of St. Scholastica women's basketball team stormed back from a sluggish start to defeat Wisconsin-Superior 56-52 Wednesday night at Reif Gymnasium, improving to 3-0 to start the season.
After scoring just 25 points through the first three quarters, the Saints exploded for 31 in the fourth, fueled by relentless defense and clutch free-throw shooting.
Sophomore guard
Ava Haus (St. Michael, MN/St. Michael-Albertville High School) led the way with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals, including several key baskets down the stretch that swung the momentum in St. Scholastica's favor.
Evie Schmitz (Burnsville, MN/St. Louis Park) added 14 points, knocking down a pair of threes and going a perfect 4-for-4 at the line.
Kloey Lind (Pine City, MN/Pine City HS) chipped in 9 points and 6 boards, while
Ryaan Speer (Rochester, MN/Rochester Century HS) provided a defensive spark with 3 steals.
Trailing 33-25 entering the final period, the Saints cranked up the pressure, forcing 12 fourth-quarter turnovers and converting them into 31 points off turnovers for the game. Their 22-of-26 performance at the free-throw line proved decisive as they held off a late push from the Yellowjackets.
Wisconsin-Superior was led by Megan Schafer's 11 points and Charlotte Ferstl's 8 points and 9 rebounds.
The Saints will look to extend their unbeaten start to the season next week Tuesday, when they travel to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to take on the Blugolds. Tip-off is scheduled for 7pm.
