MANKATO, Minn. — The No. 8 Minnesota State women's basketball team (5-0, 0-0 NSIC) rolled past Colorado School of Mines (1-5, 0-0 RMAC) with a 94-66 victory on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Taylor Center, powered by an impressive 30 steals and a dominant 60 points in the paint. With the win, the Mavericks remain perfect to open the season.

Senior guard Natalie Bremer led the way with 15 points and two steals, making her presence felt on both ends of the floor. Rhyan Holmgren followed with an efficient outing of her own, scoring 14 points on 5 of 7 shooting while adding five rebounds. Hannah Herzig anchored the defensive effort, matching her career high with eight steals, a mark she previously reached against UMary in Feb. 2025, and added eight points. Sophomore Elisabeth Gadient continued the strong play off the bench, finishing with 12 points and three rebounds to cap a well rounded offensive performance.

Minnesota State started strongly, setting the pace early by converting turnovers into points and establishing control in the paint. Bremer was instrumental, contributing with a series of successful layups, including a pivotal one at 7:18. The home team capitalized on their defensive pressure, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into quick transitions, further extending their lead. As the quarter progressed, the Mavericks continued to dominate offensively, with Gadient making notable contributions through her jumpers. By the close of the first quarter, they had established a commanding lead, ending with a score of 37-8 over the Orediggers.

MSU opened the second quarter with a strong defensive stance, collecting eight steals and forcing 12 turnovers from the Orediggers. This defensive intensity fueled a series of fast breaks and scoring opportunities, highlighted by Mackenzie Schweim's three-point play at the 7:22 mark. Adeline Kent contributed significantly with key layups and a steal, maintaining momentum. The Mavericks capitalized on these opportunities, extending their lead with a 28-point quarter while limiting their opponents to just five points. Minnesota State led 65–13 at the end of the second quarter.

The Mavericks maintained control during the third quarter, capitalizing on turnovers and strong play in the paint. The team scored 14 points in the paint and added 6 points off turnovers. Defensive efforts were highlighted by seven steals, disrupting the Orediggers' attempts to close the gap. Despite Colorado School of Mines' efforts, including three 3-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, MSU's consistent scoring kept them ahead. The quarter ended with the Mavericks leading 84-34, extending their lead and setting a strong position for the final quarter.

Minnesota State maintained control in the final quarter despite an offensive surge from the Orediggers. Lucy Leininger contributed six points, highlighted by a layup at 6:57 and a steal that set up a jumper for Payton Morgan at 6:42. Kent added to the momentum with a fastbreak jumper at 4:12, extending the lead. The Orediggers responded with a series of three-pointers and layups, narrowing the gap, but the Mavericks' early advantage proved insurmountable. Despite being outscored 32-10 in the quarter, Minnesota State concluded the game with a 94-66 victory.

"Our first-half defensive effort tonight was outstanding. Our team played so well together and with an incredible edge about them," said Head Coach Emilee Thiesse. "Our focus continues to be keeping that edge in the second half and putting a full 40 minutes together."

Looking ahead, MSU returns to the Taylor Center on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against St. Cloud State. The game will be available to stream live on the NSIC Network.