Erin Boese scores two in the paint for Gustavus.
Bri Monohan controls the ball on the perimeter.
Kenzie Consoer looks for a passing lane.
The Gustavus women’s basketball team led by as many as 12 points during the second half, but Augsburg countered with a 20-8 run during an eight-minute span in the second half en route to winning 69-65 in St. Peter Saturday afternoon. Kristin Kachelmyer led the Gusties with 18 points, while Augsburg had four different players in double figures. Gustavus dropped to 14-8 overall and 12-7 in the MIAC, while Augsburg improved to 4-18 overall and 4-15 in the MIAC.
Gustavus’ Jess Vadnais opened the game with a three-pointer after just eight seconds of play to give the Gusties a 3-0 lead. After Augsburg pulled ahead 6-3 with 17:51 left in the first half, Gustavus countered with a 10-2 run until 12:46 remained making the score 13-8. The game was even 29-29 with 3:30 remaining in the half until the Gusties closed on a 10-3 run to lead 39-32 heading into the intermission.
The Gusties opened the second half on a 6-2 run in the first 1:45 to extend their lead to 45-34. However, with 18:18 remaining, the Auggies went on a 20-8 rally to take the lead 54-53 with 10:03 to play. This was Augsburg’s first lead since 17:39 remained in the first half. Gustavus regained the lead one more time at 56-54 with 8:19 to play. However, the Auggies took a 58-56 lead with 6:33 remaining in regulation, as the Gusties were only able to pull within two points on four different occasions down the stretch. The 69-65 victory was the fourth of the season for the Auggies.
The Gusties shot just 36.2 percent (25-69) from the field, 26.9 percent (7-26) from the three-point line, and a mere 47.1 percent (8-17) from the free throw line. Augsburg shot an impressive 61.7 percent (29-47) from the field, 20 percent (1-5) from behind the arc, and 62.5 percent (10-16) from the charity stripe.
Kristin Kachelmyer led the Gusties with 18 points and six rebounds, while Jess Vadnais tallied 12 points and seven assists and Sara Boldt added seven points and five boards. Augsburg had four players in double figures, including Lia Rogozzino (14), Rachel Cherry (13), Katie Kelsey (12), and Kristina Lurken (10). Cherry also tallied seven boards and three assists, while Lurken contributed five boards and four assists.
The Golden Gusties have clinched a spot in the playoffs along with Carleton, Concordia, Saint Ben’s, and Saint Mary’s and close out the regular season with a game at Saint Ben’s next Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.