The Gustavus women’s basketball team is currently 10-11 in the MIAC and 13-11 overall. The women are ranked sixth in the MIAC and are finishing up their regular season, while seeking a spot in the playoffs.
“The basketball season is always filled with highs and lows, and we have definitely had our share of both this year, but right now we are playing some of our best basketball, and we hope to keep that momentum going into playoffs,” Senior Rachelle Blaschko said.
One of the highlights of the women’s regular season was playing Saint Mary’s University on Saturday, Feb. 15. Saint Mary’s is ranked number one in the conference standings but the two teams battled back and forth throughout the game. A buzzer-beater three-point shot from Sophomore Lindsdey Johnson sent the two teams into overtime, where the Gusties eventually fell, 69-62. Despite losing the game, the women fought hard and with skill.
This week was the final week of the regular season for the women’s team, with a road game against the University of St. Thomas on Wednesday and a road game against St. Catherine University on Saturday.
“We are looking ahead to some pretty tough games against the top teams of the league. We played the number one team and took them into overtime, so we know we can play with anyone,” Senior Britta Rinke said.
“That Saint Mary’s game was a true test of character for us, as one of our key players, Senior Julia Dysthe, was out with an MCL sprain, so other players had to step up. We hope Julia will be ready to play again by playoff time,” Blaschko said.
Following the overtime loss to Saint Mary’s, the women’s team took to the road for the final stretch of the regular season. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the team fell to St. Thomas 90-56. The team’s regular season finale is on Saturday when they will travel to St. Paul to face St. Catherine University. Saturday’s game will provide the team with one last chance to claim a spot in the playoffs.
The women have seen plenty of ups and downs this season, in what has been a laregly unpredictable season. After battling injuries and fighting for a spot in the playoffs, the women are looking forward to finishing the season on a high note.
“I think we are really gaining some momentum in the conference now, and I truly don’t think there is any team that we can’t beat at this point,” Senior Julia Dysthe said.
With just one regular season game left, the team is focusing on the road ahead and working together to come out with some wins.
“We have had some ups and downs this season. We have battled and won some tough ones, but also lost some close ones. We have a few more to go before playoffs and hopefully we get a couple more wins,” Rinke said.
One of the areas the team struggles with is their defense. If the women are able to play with a successful defense, they believe they are unstoppable.
“The next few games are really important for us. We’re looking to solidify our spot in the playoffs, so the next game is crucial. One area in which we’ve struggled with at times is our defense. When we’re playing good defense, we are a tough team to beat,” Dysthe said.