WINONA, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University basketball team dropped a 70-41 MIAC decision at Saint Mary's on Wednesday night at the David R. Thies Arena in Winona.
 
The Wildcats stayed within striking distance early, trailing 17-9 after the first quarter, but Saint Mary's built separation with steady scoring in every period and took a 34-23 lead into halftime. The Cardinals continued to control the tempo after the break, outscoring St. Kate's 17-6 in the third quarter and closing out the 70-41 final.
 
Jordyn Peed led St. Catherine with 11 points, adding four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Hattie Fox finished with five points and a team-high three assists, while Raya Cassidy provided a spark off the bench with six points, going 4-for-4 at the free-throw line.
 
St. Kate's did most of its scoring inside, recording 26 points in the paint, and the Wildcats' defense produced five blocks on the night, including two each from Peed and Beatrice Clayton.
 
The Wildcats return to Butler Center on Saturday for Senior Day against Augsburg University at 1 pm.