SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team Saturday captured an 81-39 victory over Carleton, improving to 12-9 overall and 9-5 in the MIAC. Seventeen Gusties saw time on the court with 13 contributing to the score.
“I don’t think we came out of the gates the way we needed to but we gave up just 39 points today after 38 points on Thursday, so defensively we’re as good as we’ve been all year,” Head Coach Laurie Kelly said.
Ava Gonsorowski (So., Esko, Minn.) led all scorers with 11 points along with a game-high five assists. Justine Lee (Sr., Dawson, Minn.) and Paige Richert (So., Comfrey, Minn.) each tallied nine points, while Gabby Bowlin (So., Winona, Minn.) and Alison Hinck (So., White Bear Lake, Minn.) added eight apiece off the bench.
The Gusties started the game with a 20-12 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. They outscored the Knights 22-6 in the second quarter and took a 24-point advantage into the locker room at halftime. Leading by 33 points going into the fourth quarter, coach Kelly was able to get her bench players into the game for extended minutes. In seven minutes of action, Betsy Schoenrock (Fy., New Richland, Minn.) scored six points and had a blocked shot.
“To be able to play all the kids at home in front of their parents, you love to give them that opportunity for playing time,” Kelly said. “We also get to take a look at the kids who are the future of our program.”
Gustavus finished the game shooting 43.9 percent and outrebounded the Knights 37-22. The Gusties forced 30 turnovers and outscored the visitors 33-2 off the takeaway. The Black and Gold also had 34 fast break points.
Gustavus returns to the hardwood Wednesday night at home against Augsburg.