The Gustavus women’s basketball team defeated Hamline University 80-64 on Wednesday night in the MIAC opener. Senior wing Lacy Skoog and junior guard Sara Boldt led the Gusties in scoring with 18 points apiece. Junior guard Kelly Lines led the Pipers with 16 points, including 14 in the second half. Gustavus had its highest offensive production of the young season, while holding the Pipers to their lowest point total this year. The Gusties improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the MIAC, while Hamline falls to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the conference.
All five of coach Mickey Haller’s starters posted double-digits in the contest. The last time Gustavus has had five players score in double figures was on February 2, 2002. Skoog and Boldt led all scorers, while senior post Kristin Kachelmyer recorded 12 points and six rebounds and first year guard Jess Vadnais added ten points. Sophomore post Bri Monahan posted her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Neither team shot particularly well in the first half with Gustavus shooting 39.3% and Hamline only 24.1%. With the score at 6-5 in favor of Gustavus, both teams went through a four-minute scoring drought before the Gusties went on a 9-0 run. With the Gusties leading 20-12, Sara Boldt nailed a ten-foot jumper and two three-pointers in the next two minutes to stretch the team’s lead to 12. Four straight free throws by Lacy Skoog closed out the half with a 20 point Gustie lead.
Both teams improved their shooting significantly in the second half, but the Gusties saw their hafltime lead shrink to as little as seven points midway through the half. With the game at 47-22, the Pipers went on a 28-10 scoring streak behind the offensive play of Kelly Lines. Hamline’s 24 fouls and 22 turnovers proved to be the difference in the game, however, as the Gusties scored 14 of the last 20 points en route to an 80-64 victory.
The Gusties will face Concordia on Saturday in a double header with the men’s team. Start time is scheduled for 1 pm.