SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gusties — coming off two key conference victories and a national ranking the week before — put up 83 points en route to their league-leading 14th MIAC victory over St. Scholastica. Thanks to a double-double from Rachel Kawiecki (So., Richfield), the Gusties defeated the Saints 83-52 to improve to 17-2 overall and 14-2 in conference play.
The Saints jumped out in front early, taking a 7-4 lead in the first quarter. The Gusties, however, fought their way back to close the gap and end the first quarter with a 22-12 lead. From there, it was routine work for the Gusties, who found their groove in the second frame to build a lead of 24 going into the half, holding Scholastica to just one point in the second quarter.
And the Gusties weren’t even close to finished.
Gustavus erupted for 46 second half points, including eight from Anna Sanders (Sr., Vadnais Heights) to pace the scoring. While the Saints went 7-for-13 from behind the 3-point arc, the Gustie lead held strong to win their ninth-straight game.
Rachel Kawiecki scored her first career double-double, dominating on both ends of the court. Kawiecki posted 14 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 6-for-8 from the field. Sanders shared the team lead in points with 14 of her own, while Kylie Baranick (So., Maple Grove) picked up 13. As a team, the Gusties shot 47.6% from the field, going 30-for-63, while missing only one free throw attempt of 17.
The Gusties face Saint Benedict next, hosting the Bennies for a 7 p.m. tip off at Gus Young Court on Wednesday.