The St. Kate's basketball team traveled to Concordia Monday night, coming away with a 79-65 victory over the Cobbers in the first round of the MIAC Playoffs.The win marks the first MIAC tournament win in St. Kate's history, and is the first time in the tournament history that a #6 seed has defeated a #3 seed.
With 3:36 remaining in the first half, the Wildcats were down 31-25 until Laura Kalbfell nailed a three pointer to spark an offensive run. In the last 2:23, a Jenna Olson steal led to a Kalbfell layup, Amy Battey made a three pointer, Megan Zillmer converted a layup, and Kalbfell hit another three pointer to put St. Kate's up 40-37 at halftime.
The lead continued to change hands in the second half, until about the 6 minute mark when Cassandra Hubler made a three pointer to put the Wildcats up 59-53. St. Kate's would never look back, as they led by 11 with 1:01 remaining, forcing Concordia to foul. Kalbfell and Olson each made 4 free throws in the final minute to seal the 79-65 playoff win.
Kalbfell led the Wildcats with 23 points and 7 rebounds, followed by Hubler with 14 points and 6 assists. Molly Peterson added 12 points; Battey had 10, and Zillmer and Sonja Ellingson each chipped in 8.
It is St. Kate's second MIAC playoff appearance and their first playoff victory. Both playoff appearances have come under head coach Gary Rufsvold's four year reign at St. Catherine.
The Wildcats now travel to face St. Benedict on Wednesday, February 24th at 7:30 pm.
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