St. Thomas women’s basketball defeated St. Olaf 67-48 Wednesday night at Schoenecker Arena, even with leading scorer Brynne Rolland out with an injury.
Rolland rolled her ankle Tuesday at practice but is expected to play against St. Mary’s this Saturday.
“We’ve kind of gone through a lot of these bumps and bruises but you know it’s like, ‘Next person up,’” coach Ruth Sinn said. “It isn’t just, ‘Oh well now we don’t have Brynne.’ It’s like, ‘OK, this is an opportunity for someone else to step up and bring their gifts.’”
Sophomore guard Shayla Wallin led the Tommies scoring 16 points, shooting perfect from both the free throw line and beyond the arc. Sinn noted Wallin’s control and strong read of the game.
“I feel like I’m ready for this and I’ve been working for it,” Wallin said.
First-year guard Madi Schirmer played her first game back, after missing four weeks due to mono.
With the regular season finishing on Saturday, the team’s postseason goal is to keep improving.
“We got to work on our turnovers, there’s no question about that,” Sinn said.
Sinn said she has seen her team’s defensive identity form, but is looking forward to their offensive strides as well.
“Our top goal is just representing the St. Thomas jersey in the best way we can,” junior guard Macy Hatlestad said. “Whatever form that comes in.”
St. Thomas plays its final regular season game against St. Mary’s at 3 p.m. Saturday at Schoenecker Arena.
Taylor Shupe can be reached at shup9397@stthomas.edu.