The Gustavus women’s basketball team held off a scrappy St. Olaf team and posted a 74-70 win at Gus Young Court in St. Peter. The Oles shot a red-hot 49.2 percent from the field, while the Gusties made 40.6 percent of their shots. Angie Peterson scored 19 to lead Gustavus, while Molly Simon tallied 19 for St. Olaf. Gustavus improves to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the MIAC, while St. Olaf falls to 0-6 overall and 0-3 in the MIAC.
The Gusties tried to pull away from the Oles several times in the first half as they led by as many as 10 points twice, however, St. Olaf stayed close by shooting 54.8 percent from the field (17-31). Gustavus shot a solid 50.0 percent (17-34), but could not shake the Oles. A three-point basket by St. Olaf’s Molly Simon with :37 left in the half pulled the Oles within three at the intermission at 43-30.
St. Olaf rallied to tie the score at 45-45 just three minutes into the second half and the Oles would stay close the rest of the way. The Gusties held a slim lead through the early part of the half, however a 4-0 run by the Oles midway through the half gave them their biggest lead of the game at four (56-52). The Gusties countered with a 7-0 run to take a three point lead at 59-52. Gustavus continued to hold the upper hand and a three-point basket by Sara Boldt gave the Gusties an eight-point lead at 66-58 with 6:19 remaining. Gustavus maintained a lead of four points or more until the Oles pulled within three at 73-70 on a jumper by Jill Johnson with :09 left in the game. Gustie senior Kate Sandvig made one-of-two free throws with :06 left to seal the win.
The Gusties placed three players in double figures including Peterson with 19, Jennifer Klohs with 12 and Sara Boldt with 11. Gustavus shot well from the free throw line making 12-of-16 from the charity stripe.
St. Olaf placed four players in double figures including Simon with 19, Jill Johnson with 17, Sarah McBroom with 15 and Kelly Sweeney with 10. The Oles outrebounded the Gusties 40-36 but committed 22 turnovers to Gustavus’ 14.