ERIE, Pa. – The Minnesota State women's basketball team (2-0, 0-0 NSIC) rolled past California (Pa.) (0-2, 0-0 PSAC) with a 98-53 victory on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Highmark Event Center, fueled by 27 steals and 60 points in the paint.
Senior guard Natalie Bremer led the Mavericks with 16 points, converting all six of her free throw attempts and recording two steals. Addison Hoof contributed defensively with two steals and grabbed two rebounds. Senior Hannah Herzig was effective on defense as well, with a game-high five steals and four assists. Ava Stier added 13 points and collected eight rebounds, while also tallying two steals.
Minnesota State opened the first quarter with a strong defensive effort, forcing the Vulcans into 12 turnovers while collecting six steals. The visiting team capitalized on these opportunities, scoring eight points off turnovers and maintaining a fluid transition game with six fast-break points. Offensively, the Mavericks dominated the paint, scoring 10 points inside while also receiving a boost from the bench, which contributed seven points. Mackenzie Schweim was pivotal in closing the quarter, converting on key free throws and a fast-break layup, extending Minnesota State's lead. As the quarter ended, the Mavericks held an 18-8 advantage, establishing a solid foundation for the remainder of the game.
MSU took control in the second quarter with a strong defensive effort and efficient scoring, highlighted by nine steals. Delaynie Luneckas set the tone early with a jumper at 9:47, assisted by Bremer. The team capitalized on the Vulcans' turnovers, converting fast breaks into points consistently. Rhyan Holmgren contributed significantly, including a three-pointer at 8:29, extending the lead. Minnesota State's bench added substantial support, contributing 23 points in the quarter. The scoring run continued with MSU dominating in the paint, adding 20 points from close range. They also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring the Vulcans 10-0 in that area. As the quarter closed, Minnesota State widened the gap, leading 52-19, showcasing efficient teamwork and strong defensive play.
The Mavericks capitalized on a series of early turnovers by the Vulcans to open the third quarter, with Bremer sinking two free throws, followed by Stier completing a three-point play to extend the lead. The quick pace continued with sophomore Elisabeth Gadient assisting Stier in a fast-break layup, contributing to a significant scoring run. Despite a brief scoring surge from the Vulcans, which included a three-pointer, MSU maintained control. Schweim and Gadient added points through layups and jumpers. Minnesota State's defense complemented their scoring, forcing multiple turnovers and maintaining a strong presence in the paint. The quarter closed with the Mavericks ahead, displaying effective transition play and keeping the pressure on the Vulcans, ending the third with a 76-44 lead.
Minnesota State opened the fourth quarter with strong offensive contributions, highlighted by Lucy Leininger's layup just seconds into the quarter. The team capitalized on defensive pressure, securing six steals and forcing the Vulcans into 10 turnovers. Minnesota State's bench added significant scoring depth, contributing 14 points, while the team dominated the paint with 14 points. Adeline Kent and Stier provided key assists and layups, extending MSU's lead through the middle of the quarter. The visitors continued to build momentum, with Natalie Mueller and Hannah Leverson adding to their free-throw tally late in the quarter. MSU closed the quarter confidently, sealing a 22–9 run to finish the game with a decisive 98–53 victory.
"Another great team effort tonight! I was very pleased with our consistent defensive edge, said Head Coach
Emilee Thiesse. "We locked in to get stops and not just turnovers. Our depth continues to provide the spark and the punch that we need on both ends of the court," Thiesse adds.
Up next, the Mavericks head to Edinboro, Pa., to take on Union (Tenn.) on Sunday, Nov. 9. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at McComb Fieldhouse.
