DULUTH, Minn. — The College of St. Scholastica women's basketball team is rewriting early-season history, opening the 2025–26 campaign with a 6–1 record — the program's best start to a season since 1987. Under the guidance of head coach Jason Schmitz, the Saints have paired an efficient offense with an increasingly disciplined defensive identity to surge through the non-conference portion of their schedule.

Through seven games, the Saints are averaging 70.6 points per game while holding opponents to 59.4 points, establishing themselves as one of the MIAC's most balanced teams. St. Scholastica has been especially sharp in late-game situations, outscoring opponents by nearly nine points per game in the fourth quarter alone. They also lead the MIAC in 3PT shooting percentage at 32.4%.

Balanced Scoring and Veteran Leadership

St. Scholastica's early success has been fueled by a deep scoring attack featuring multiple reliable options each night.

• Ava Haus (St. Michael, MN/St. Michael-Albertville High School) has led the offense with consistency, averaging double figures (17.9 ppg), with just one turnover in her last 63 minutes of playing time.

• Evie Schmitz (Burnsville, MN/St. Louis Park) has emerged as one of the MIAC's top shooters, connecting on a conference best 54.3% of her three point attempts.

• Kloey Lind (Pine City, MN/Pine City HS) has anchored the interior with her scoring presence (12.9 ppg), rebounding ability (7.0 rpg), and matchup versatility.

The Saints are shooting 77% from the free-throw line and producing nearly 20 points per game off turnovers, an area that has proved pivotal in their six victories. Their defensive pressure has generated more than 9 steals per game, sparking fast-break opportunities and energizing their home crowds.

A Historic Benchmark — and Momentum Building

The Saints' 6–1 opening stretch marks the program's best since the 1987–88 team, a team that finished with a perfect 10-0 conference (then MWAC) record. The 2025-26 campaigns only loss so far came on the road against UW-Eau Claire, a team currently receiving votes in the D3hoops.com Women's Top 25 Poll.
The current team has also posted an impressive average margin of victory in their six wins, at +17 points per game.

Looking Ahead

With conference play approaching, St. Scholastica enters the heart of its schedule carrying confidence and momentum. The Saints will look to extend their strong start with a home MIAC matchup against St. Catherine University (5-4, 0-2 MIAC) before embarking on a trip to California for their final two non-conference games of the regular season.