The Gustavus women’s basketball team defeated Wartburg College 72-71 Tuesday night in the team’s season opener. Senior wing Lacy Skoog led the Gusties with 16 points, including five points in the last 28 seconds to seal the win for Gustavus. Senior post Kristin Kachelmyer posted a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds, while sophomore post Erin Boese contributed 15 points and three offensive rebounds. Wartburg’s senior center Amanda Berner led all players with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. The Gusties start the 2004-05 season out with a win, while Wartburg falls to 1-2 on the season.
The Knights jumped out to an early lead in the game, leading by as many as six points early on. Gustavus came back, however, to capture a four point advantage midway through the fiirst half. Lacy Skoog sank a three-pointer with 24 seconds left on the clock to give the Gusties a 31-29 lead going into the locker room.
The Knights again came out strong in the second half, leading by as much as seven points and going on a 9-0 scoring run with a balanced attack. Wartburg shot 50.0% in the second half compared to 44.4% for the Gusties, but Gustavus kept the game within reach with balanced scoring of their own. Sophomore post Bri Monahan tied the game at 67 with 46 seconds remaining on the clock before Lacy Skoog nailed another three-pointer 20 seconds later and two free throws to put the Gusties on top for good.
Gustavus shot 41.8% from the field, 29.4% from behind the arc, and 55.0% from the free throw line. The Gusties will travel to St. Louis, Missouri over the Thanksgiving holiday to particpate in the McWilliams Classic on November 27-28.