Despite being behind by just three points heading into the second quarter, the St. Thomas women’s basketball team was unable to keep up the offensive momentum, falling 83-42 to No. 1 South Dakota State University in the Tommies’ final home game of the season Saturday at Schoenecker Arena.
The Tommies (6-20, 3-13 Summit League) recognized graduate student forwards Erin Norling and Kaia Porter on senior day. Porter spent five seasons with the Tommies and coach Ruth Sinn, whereas Norling transferred to St. Thomas from Wayne State College for her final year of athletic eligibility.
Two consecutive 3-point baskets by Norling and Porter tied the score 18-18 early in the second quarter. However, South Dakota State (19-8, 15-1) responded quickly as junior forward Myah Selland made a 3-point basket of her own.
St. Thomas men’s hockey broke a six-game winless streak, beating Lake Superior State University 2-1 Friday at St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights.
The Tommies (3-27-1, 3-19-1 CCHA) had lost both games against the Lakers (14-16-1, 10-13) earlier in the season, but goals from junior forward Luke Manning and junior defender Trevor Zins made the difference.
The Tommies hadn’t won since Jan. 20, with a tie on Feb. 4 against No. 15 Michigan Tech.
The game remained tied until Zins capitalized on a power play, putting the Tommies ahead 2-1 with 1:05 left in regulation.
Senior night didn’t go St. Thomas’ way as the men’s hockey team lost 5-1 against Lake Superior State University Saturday at St. Thomas Ice Arena in Mendota Heights.
The Tommies (3-28-1, 3-20-1 CCHA) were down the entirety of the game, as the Lakers (15-16-1, 11-13) scored three goals in the first five minutes of the game. St. Thomas attempted to claw out of that hole during the rest of its final home game of the season.
“They capitalized,” coach Rico Blasi said. “You got to work so hard to get out of it.”
Afterward, the team held a small ceremony for its nine seniors, showing its appreciation for their leadership during the team’s first DI season.
Natalie Hoepner can be reached at hoep8497@stthomas.edu.