Jess Vadnais brings the ball up the floor
Kristin Kachelmyer battles in the paint against St. Thomas
Marit Sviggum helped to hold the Tommies to only 48 points
Bri Monahan shoots over a Tommie defender
The Gustavus women’s basketball team went on a 24-2 run in the final seven minutes to close out a 64-48 win over the University of St. Thomas. First year guard Jess Vadnais scored a career high 22 points to lead the Gusties to their 23rd straight home win. Senior post Kristin Kachelmyer recorded her third double-double of the season, posting 15 points and 12 rebounds. Junior forward Erica Opdahl led the Tommies in scoring and rebounds with 16 points a six boards. With the win, Gustavus improved their overall record to 6-1 and 4-0 in the MIAC, while St. Thomas fell to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
The Tommies dominated most of the first half, jumping out to an 11-0 lead that they didn’t relinquish for the rest of the half. With four minutes left on the clock, the Gusties went on an 8-2 run to bring the game within one, but a ten-foot jumper by junior guard Katy Slater put the Tommies up 32-29 going into the locker room. Gustavus shot a mere 34% in the half, as compared to nearly 52% for St. Thomas.
The Gusties again fell behind to start the second half, but relied on their tough pressure defense to keep the game within reach. Down by three with 7:30 left in the game, Jess Vadnais sank a three-pointer to tie the game at 46. The Gusties were relentless in the final 11 minutes, outscoring the Tommies 24-2, including eight-straight by Vadnais, en route to a 64-48 win.
Gustavus improved their shooting percentage to nearly 50% in the second half while holding the Tommies to only 29% shooting. The Gusties shot 37.5% from behind the arc during the game and 63.6% from the free throw line.
The Gusties will have nearly three weeks off before facing Carleton on January 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Northfield.