St. Thomas women get seventh win in row

Sophomore center Brynne Rolland closed with 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. 18-ranked St. Thomas Women's Basketball to a 67-49 victory over visiting St. Catherine in Saturday's MIAC clash at Schoenecker Arena.

Rolland is averaging 21 points and eight boards during the current seven-game win streak for the Tommies (14-3 overall, 10-2 MIAC). They shot 51 percent from the field, had a 37-22 rebounding edge, and converted 14 of 17 at the foul line.

St. Thomas remains in a second-place tie in the conference as leader Bethel and closest pursuers UST, Gustavus and Augsburg all won. 

Tommie juniors guards Macy Hatlestad (16 points) and Noelle Tomes (season-high 13 points, five assists) combined for 29 points. Abby Mackenthun added six points and six rebounds off the bench, as the Tommies recorded a 21-2 edge in bench scoring.

St. Thomas used a 27-2 first-half run to build a 21-point lead, and still led 39-19 at halftime. The Wildcats chipped away and climbed within 12 points twice in the fourth quarter before the Toms closed out the victory.

Katie Benjamin led SCU with 15 points.

St. Thomas plays Wednesday night at No. 17-ranked Augsburg then plays next Saturday at No. 23-ranked Gustavus.