The women’s basketball team continued its undefeated streak in the MIAC on Wednesday when it defeated Bethel 71-56 at home. Wednesday’s win also extended the team’s overall winning streak to 23 games.

Sophomore Taylor Young led the Tommies with 22 points, the second highest scorer in the game next to Bethel guard Taylor Sheley, who scored 29 points.

“We knew that we had to keep our intensity up or they could make a run on us again,” Young said.

The first half proved to be an offensive battle between the two teams. At halftime, St. Thomas led 32-27, and coach Ruth Sinn said that the team needed to make adjustments heading into the second half.

“We were a little wild,” Sinn said. “The second half we slowed down and were a little more patient.”

“We knew they were a good team, we just had to make some adjustments,” junior guard Kellie Ring said. “We just tried to come out with more fire.”

The St. Thomas defense was the key to the team’s success in the second half, and the Tommies scored 23 points off of turnovers.

This Saturday, the team will take on St. Mary’s at home for its last regular season game.

“Before when we played St Mary’s, we were up by a lot and they started coming back on us and so we have to keep improving every game and make sure we don’t let up and have lull in our intensity,” Young said.

Sinn said the team is focused on taking it one game at a time.

“I don’t think the team has changed because our focus hasn’t changed,” Sinn said. “From the beginning of the season until now we want every challenge because we want to get better. We want to be our best so we’re prepared and ready.”

Saturday’s game is also senior night for St. Thomas.

“We have incredible young ladies who have committed their whole hearts to this program and what we want to do is send them off on the right note,” Sinn said. “We want to play tribute to all the things they have given us.”

Meghan Sheldon can be reached at shel0969@stthomas.edu.