2007-2008 Highlights
Blazers Decide on Individual Awards
03/20/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (18-4 MIAC, 20-6 overall) voted on individual awards and announced the team’s decisions. Among those honored by their teammates and coaches were junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School), sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School), first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledoina High School) and first-year point guard Heidi Kjolhaug (Clearbrook, Minn./Clearbrook-Gonvick).
Tauer received the highest recognition as the Blazers voted her the team’s Most Valuable Player. Her hard work and determination made her a presence in CSB’s frontcourt. Tauer led the MIAC with a .592 field goal percentage as she averaged 9.6 points per game. Despite a midseason ankle injury, Tauer fought back and helped the Blazers win 16 of 17 games from Dec. 15, 2007 to Feb. 20, 2008. She provided a great deal of support on both ends of the floor by grabbing 4.2 rebounds per game. Tauer also dished out 1.4 assists each game and grabbed one steal per contest as well. Tauer was named an All-MIAC Honorable Mention.
Schmidt was given this year’s Coaches Award for her constant contributions on offense and defense. Schmidt averaged a team-high 13.5 points per game, which ranked No. 12 in the MIAC. She was also No. 2 in the conference in free-throw percentage with as she shot 86.3 percent from the free-throw line. Schmidt’s free-throw percentage also ranked No. 19 in the nation. She supplemented her scoring with 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Defensively, Schmidt was often matched up against some of the best scorers in the conference. Schmidt was an All-MIAC selection.
Frank was named the Blazers’ Most Improved Player. After learning the system at CSB, she began contributing great things on both ends of the court. Averaging 8.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game, Frank provided the post presence the Blazers needed. Her 9.2 rebounds and 3.3 blocks ranked No. 3 and No. 2 in the MIAC, respectively. Her blocks average was also No. 7 in the country.
Kjolhaug was selected as this season’s junior varsity Most Improved Player. She helped the junior varsity’s backcourt increase its speed and often set the pace of the game.
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Six Blazers Receive MIAC Awards
03/06/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team finished the season with an 18-4 conference record and went 20-6 overall. When the MIAC released its annual awards, it was apparent that many Blazers contributed to the team’s success. The six Blazers honored with MIAC awards represent every academic class, from first-year to senior.
Senior forward Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) was named the MIAC’s 2007-08 Sixth Player of the Year. Falvey averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game coming off of the bench. Her role on and off the court was an integral part of CSB’s success this season. Falvey often entered, or re-entered, the game when the Blazers were in need of energy and experience to give them a boost. Fellow senior, wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School), was named to the MIAC All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive season. O’Neil ranked No. 6 in the conference with 2.3 steals per game. Her awareness on defense, combined with quick hands, made O’Neil one of the conference’s best defenders.
Voted to the MIAC All-Conference team was sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School). A member of the MIAC’s All-First Year team last season, Schmidt stepped into an even larger role for CSB this season. She averaged 13.5 points, which was No. 12 in the MIAC, and 3.2 rebounds per game. Her consistent production was a large part of the Blazer offense. Schmidt also ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the conference for free throw percentage and three-point field goal percentage, respectively.
The junior class was represented by the Edina natives, forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) and point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, Minn./Edina High School). Tauer was named an All-MIAC Honorable Mention for the second straight season. Her .592 field goal percentage was No.1 in the conference. She also averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds. Carter joined Tauer on the list of Honorable Mentions. She averaged 3.3 assists per game, but it was her assist-to-turnover ratio that was even more impressive. Carter led the MIAC with 2.6 assists per turnover; her closest competitor finished with a 1.3 ratio. Carter also represented CSB on the All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team.
In her initial season as a Blazer, first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) was named an All-MIAC Honorable Mention and selected to the MIAC All-First Year Team. Frank, who averaged 8.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.4 blocked shots per game, made an immediate impact for the Blazers. Her averages landed her in the No. 3 and No. 2 spots in the MIAC for the respective categories.
With CSB’s entire starting lineup and first player off of the bench all receiving MIAC awards, it is obvious that the Blazers success was truly a team effort.
MIAC Awards | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Assistant
Blazers Take It to the Wire
02/27/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (18-4 MIAC, 20-6 overall) was defeated 64-60 by the Carleton Knights. This game marked the sixth time in eight years that the Knights and Blazers have met in or beyond the MIAC playoff semifinal round. Coming into the game, both teams and all of the fans packed into Claire Lynch Hall knew that it would be a hard-fought semifinal matchup. And that’s exactly how it turned out. As expected, every single possession counted and both teams were in position to win as time wound down in the second half. Unfortunately for CSB, Carleton was able to come up with a few crucial plays down the stretch to hold off the No. 1 Blazers.
The entire first half was a typical CSB-Carleton matchup - the intensity peaked in the opening minutes and stayed there for the duration of the game. Neither the Blazers nor the Knights could gain a significant advantage. CSB’s biggest lead in the first half was only three points. Other than a very short stint up six points, Carleton was never consistently up by more than three points either. The game entered halftime with the Knights leading 27-25. Despite shooting just 25 percent from the field in the first half, the Blazers were down only two points.
Coming back from the break, Carleton grabbed a hold of the game and went on a 13-2 run over the first four minutes of the half. However, CSB did not waste any time as it faced the 42-30 deficit. The Blazers responded immediately and went on a tear of their own. They outscored the Knights 10-0 over the following three minutes to pull the game to 42-40. From 13 minutes left in regulation, the remainder of the game was very similar to the first half as both teams tried to pull ahead. CSB was never able to grab a lead in the second half, in part because the Knights shot 58.3 percent from the field in the second period.
However, the final three minutes saw the Blazers pull within one point on three different occasions. It never looked better for CSB than with 35 seconds left in the game. With one second remaining on the shot clock it looked as if the Blazers would get the ball back trailing by only two points. Unfortunately, Carleton was able to get up a well-defended shot in the highly congested lane. It did not go in, but it hit the rim and gave Carleton junior Hannah Oken-Berg a chance to get a rebound. Oken-Berg grabbed the board and made a layup for two of her 23 points. The put-back gave the Knights a four-point lead with 32 seconds left in the game. With a pair of free throws to negate CSB’s two free throws on the other end, Carleton secured a four-point victory and a trip to the MIAC playoff championship against St. Thomas. The MIAC final will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 1 at St. Thomas.
The Blazers were led in scoring by junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) and sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School). Schmidt and Tauer both finished with 16 points. Schmidt kept the Blazers close with 10 first half points as Tauer brought CSB back with 10 of her own in the second half. Seniors Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) and Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) both contributed double-figure efforts in their last game in Claire Lynch Hall. The two seniors added 14 and 13 points respectively.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Feb. 27
02/27/2008
CSB to Face Carleton in Semifinal
02/26/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (18-4 MIAC, 20-5 overall) waited patiently Monday to find out who they would be playing on Wednesday in the MIAC semifinals. Their opponent: No. 4 Carleton College. After defeating No. 5 Concordia by just one point on Feb. 25, the Knights advance to the semifinal round to take on the No. 1 Blazers. Carleton will travel to St. Joseph, Minn. to face CSB at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27 in Claire Lynch Hall. After a first-round bye, the Blazers will be ready to take on the Knights, whom they are 1-1 against this season.
Ticket prices for the MIAC semifinal matchup will be: Adults $7, Students $3. (Only MIAC passes are valid.)
CSB/SJU Students: The CSB Senate and Blazer basketball will pay for the admission of the first 200 students to the game.
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Feb. 27: Available NOW. Click Here to view the Feb. 27 Blazer Basketball GameDay program.
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
CSB Shocked By UST
02/23/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (18-4 MIAC, 20-5 overall) was defeated by the St. Thomas Tommies 56-55 in overtime. The fierce battle between the conference’s two best teams could not be decided in regulation. It took an extra period to conclude the roller coaster struggle between the MIAC rivals. Both teams finished the regular season with an 18-4 conference record and a share for the MIAC title. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) led the Blazers’ offensive attack with 12 points.
St. Thomas grabbed the first advantage in the game and was extremely reluctant to let go of the lead. UST’s biggest lead during the first half was only six points, but they were ahead of CSB for over 16 minutes of the opening period. With 3:14 remaining before halftime, the Blazers crawled back and captured their first lead of the game. CSB went into halftime with a 25-21 advantage.
In the first few minutes of the second half, both teams continued to fight for leverage in the game. CSB was the first to make a big push. The Blazers rattled off a 14-2 run in five minutes as they gained a 39-28 lead at 13:34 in the second period. CSB continued to build its lead and with 8:49 left in regulation, the Blazers pulled ahead 16 points - the biggest lead of the game. Unfortunately, the Tommies took their turn to control the pace of game after CSB finished its streak. St. Thomas snuck back into the game and completed a 20-4 run to finish the second half. With 15 seconds left in regulation UST tied the game 52-52 and forced the game into overtime.
The extra period was similar to the rest of the game as both teams continued to have difficulty shooting. Strong defense on both sides of the floor forced St. Thomas into 2-for-6 shooting and CSB into 1-for7 shooting in the overtime period. The Tommies outscored the Blazers 4 to 3 in overtime to gain the one-point victory.
With the No. 1 seed, CSB will have a bye in the first round and home court advantage throughout the MIAC playoffs. The Blazers will take on the lowest remaining seed in a MIAC semifinal at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Clinch Share of MIAC Title
02/20/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (18-3 MIAC, 20-4 overall) defeated the St. Catherine Wildcats 68-54. With their win tonight, the Blazers secured at least a share of the 2007-08 MIAC title. The regular season championship is CSB’s third consecutive and eleventh in school history. A win on Saturday at St. Thomas would give the Blazers the MIAC title outright; and a loss would result in a shared title. CSB finished the regular season with a perfect home record, 11-0. Leading the Blazers in scoring was sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School), who scored 20 points. Schmidt reached the 20-point mark for the fifth time in the last seven games as the Blazers.
CSB started the game off strong with a 9-2 start, which appeared to foreshadow the remainder of the game. However, St. Catherine fought back quickly and grabbed its first lead, 13-11, at 10:51 in the first half. The following four and a half minutes contained six lead changes as the teams struggled for an advantage. The Wildcats retained their two-point lead, 24-22, with 3:20 left in the half. At that point, the Blazers turned up the intensity and made a dramatic surge into halftime. Defensively, CSB did not allow St. Catherine to make another field goal for the rest of the half. In that time, the Blazers swiftly completed an 11-1 run that put them up 33-25 going into the locker room. The last minute streak was sparked and sustained by Schmidt, who scored nine of the 11 points entering the break.
The Blazers slowly built upon their halftime lead for the duration of the game. CSB’s defense continued to force the Wildcats into tough shots, and ultimately, a 27.9 team field goal percentage for the game. The Blazers retained solid control of the ball, and in turn, control of the game. CSB turned the ball over just nine times in the game, and only twice in the second half.
First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) recorded her seventh double-double with 12 rebounds and 16 points, off of 7-for-9 shooting. Frank was also a force on defense as she totaled seven blocked shots for the third consecutive game. Senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) chipped in 11 points offensively and two blocks and two steals on defense.
CSB is next in action when it takes on St. Thomas at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 in St. Paul. If the Blazers defeat the Tommies and earn sole possession of the MIAC title, it will be the first time in MIAC history that a team has completed a regular season three-peat without sharing any of its titles.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Feb. 20
02/20/2008
Schmidt, Tauer Carry Blazers
02/16/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (17-3 MIAC, 19-4 overall) defeated the Hamline Pipers 82-64. In a 40-minute game of tug-o-war, it was CSB that pulled the hardest and most frequently. Both teams continuously pushed back and forth with short, intense spurts of offense. But, it was the Blazers that made the biggest impact when it was their turn to take over. Leading the charge for CSB were sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School). Schmidt scored a game-high 21 points, including 6-for-6 free throws. Tauer dominated from inside as she shot 8 of 10 from the field on her way to a career-high 20 points.
The Pipers began with a three-pointer from the corner less than 10 seconds into the game. It was apparent that Hamline wanted a high speed game with lots of good shots. And that is exactly what it got. After seven minutes of play the Blazer led 16-15. At that point, CSB went on its first run of the game. The 15-4 streak over six minutes left the Blazers with a 30-20 advantage. The Pipers slowed down CSB and responded quickly. At halftime, the score was 36-30.
The second half began the exact same way as the first half: Hamline drained a three-pointer on their first shot just seconds in. For the first minute and a half, the Pipers stayed within two points of CSB. Then the Blazers knew it was time to start another run. This one spanned nearly four minutes and a 12-4 advantage, which left CSB up 51-41. Hamline pulled closer, only to be shocked by another CSB surge. Only two minutes after their previous run, the Blazers began a 13-2 streak with 13:02 and finished it with 7:37 left in the game and a 65-49 score. That run was nearly all Tauer, as she continued to penetrate and personally scored six unanswered points in 75 seconds.
With 4:31 left, the Pipers had again pulled within range of a comeback. CSB decided it was time for one last run before the game ended. This final surge, an 11-1 run, covered three minutes and gave the Blazers a 78-59 lead that was easily sustained. Part of the Blazers success was due to their ability to get good looks at the basket. CSB shot 54.9 percent from the field for the game, and 50 percent from three-point range in the first half. Schmidt and Tauer also deserve credit for their energy and influence on both ends of the floor. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) chipped in a solid performance of nine points, nine rebounds and seven blocked shots.
The Blazers are next in action when they take on St. Catherine at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Feb. 16
02/16/2008
Blazer "D" Helps Erase Early Scare
02/13/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (16-3 MIAC, 18-4 overall) defeated the Macalester Scots 66-57. From the outset of the game, it appeared as if the Scots would be able to upset the No. 1 Blazers. It took them a few minutes to come around, but CSB eventually took control of the game. The offense was provided by a trio of Blazers – senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn.), junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn.) and sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School). Each of the three scored at least 14 points. Schmidt led the way with 16 points.
For the first few minutes of play, it was undoubtedly Macalester’s basketball game. In the opening minutes the Scots scored seven points and held the Blazers at 0. Macalester’s defense forced CSB into two missed field goals and three turnovers in the short amount of time. It wasn’t until Tauer took it inside and scored CSB’s first points 2:19 into the game that the Blazers turned up the heat. The Scots were able to contain CSB and hang onto the lead for 10 more minutes. With 6:55 left in the half, Schmidt made a pair of free throws that gave the Blazers their first lead of the game. Unfortunately for the Scots, they would never see the lead again. The Blazers went up 31-28 at halftime. While the second half posed a threat to CSB, Macalester was never able to make an effective comeback.
The Blazer defense deserves a great deal of credit for fending off the Scots. CSB recorded a season-high of 14 blocked shots. Leading the defense from the lane was first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School). Frank accumulated seven blocks, an individual season-high. The Blazers were also one steal short of tying their season-high of 14 steals. Four Blazers grabbed two or more steals, as the team totaled 13 in the game. O’Neil contributed in every way she could think of by recording two steals, two blocks, seven rebounds, and 15 points. Tauer chipped in 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting.
CSB is next in action when it takes on Hamline at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Initial Surge Energizes CSB
02/09/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (15-3 MIAC, 17-4 overall) defeated the Augsburg Auggies 79-59. On a day dedicated to the induction of six new members into the CSB Hall of Fame, the Blazers showed that they continue to carry on the excellence of their predecessors. CSB’s 72-69 overtime victory at Augsburg on Jan. 12 was a bit too close for comfort. Back home in Claire Lynch Hall, the Blazers had no intention of allowing another nail-biter against the Auggies. Sophomore Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) made that clear as she scored a season-high 25 points. It was the third time Schmidt reached the 20-points mark in the last four games.
The Blazers set the pace from the opening minute of the game. CSB controlled the tempo and intensity on both ends of the floor. Five minutes into the game, the Blazers had already taken a 12-0 lead. But, CSB did not stop there. It continued its dominance on offense and defense for the next seven minutes. At 7:57, the Blazers concluded their run and had built a 26-4 advantage. The 22-point lead was the largest of the game. While the Auggies put up a fight before halftime, the Blazer defense held them to just 18.5 percent shooting from the field for the first half. The early deficit proved to be too much for the Auggies. CSB shot 51.4 percent in the second half on its way to a 20-point victory.
Senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) and junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) provided the offensive support Schmidt needed to win the game. O’Neil and Tauer scored 14 and 10 points, respectively. The CSB bench outscored the Auggie bench 22-5. Junior point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) made an enormous impact with seven assists and no turnovers in 34 minutes of play. Her ball control was the main reason the Blazers recorded only seven turnovers – a season best.
CSB is next in action when it takes on Macalester at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 in St. Paul. The game will be played at St. Catherine’s, where the Scots are playing home games during construction of their new athletic facility.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Feb. 9
02/09/2008
Blazer Defense Stuns Oles
02/06/2008The College of Saint Benedict (14-3 MIAC, 16-4 overall) defeated St. Olaf 90-58 in Northfield, Minn. The whole Blazer team contributed in setting the pace for the game. Fortunately for CSB, it was a tempo that the Oles could not keep up with. A first half rout left St. Olaf asking questions while the Blazers rolled to their second largest victory of the year. Senior forward Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) scored a game-high 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting.
St. Olaf started the game off strong with a quick 4-0 lead. They forced the Blazers into two missed shots and a turnover in the first minute. However, their success was short-lived as CSB went on a rampage lasting approximately 13 minutes. Down four points one minute into the game, the Blazer rattled off a 35-3 run that effectively spoiled the Oles’ chances of winning. The surge was capped off with an 18-0 streak lasting just under six minutes, from 11:31 to 5:46. St. Olaf pulled closer as the half neared and was able to close the deficit slightly. However, CSB still led 41-23 going into the break. The Blazers maintained their momentum and extended their advantage to 35 points less than halfway through the second period. From there, they glided to a 32-point victory.
A great deal of the Blazers’ success stemmed from their defensive efforts. CSB forced the Oles into 24 turnovers. Sixteen of the turnovers were recorded in the first half, which turned into 22 points for the Blazers. CSB also held St. Olaf to just 32 percent shooting from the field in the first half. The Blazers were able to expand their lead easily as they shot 55.6 percent as a team throughout the game. Senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) was a major contributor to the team’s shooting efficiency as she shot 5-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. O’Neil finished with 13 points.
The CSB bench played a big role in the victory. The Blazer reserves outscored St. Olaf’s bench 54-16, including a 24-0 difference in the first half alone. Their impact was apparent as CSB had nine bench players enter the game – all of which scored. Sophomore wings Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and Anne Kuduk (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View High School) chipped in 10 points each to make it four Blazers that scored in double figures.
CSB is next in action when it takes on Augsburg at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Schmidt Carries Blazers
02/04/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (13-3 MIAC, 15-4 overall) defeated the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties 69-51. A Dec. 5 loss to Gustavus in St. Peter, Minn. gave the Blazers many reasons to want a victory in this game. And with the Gusties trailing just one game in the MIAC standings, this was a must-win game for CSB. Fortunately, sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) was up for the challenge. Schmidt was in the spotlight on both ends of the floor. She tied her season-high of 20 points for the second consecutive game. Schmidt was also assigned the task of defending Jess Vadnais, the MIAC’s leading scorer. She held Vadnais, who averages 19.1 points, to just eight points in the game.
After the opening tip, it appeared as if the matchup would be a lopsided one as the Blazers pulled out to a 12-2 lead just three minutes into the game. CSB never underestimated Vadnais, but seemed to be slowing her down in the beginning. However, at 13:49 Vadnais led an 8-0 run that began with her free-throw on one possession and a turnaround three-pointer on the next. The three-point field goal gave the Gusties 10 points, eight of which were scored by Vadnais. No one in the gym would have guessed it then, but Vadnais would not score another point all night. Schmidt’s tenacious defense locked her up and forced the conference leading scorer into 3 of 12 shooting from the field.
The Gustie run pulled the score to 18-14 as both teams battled for an advantage entering halftime. Neither was overly successful as the Blazers went up 29-28 going into the locker room. The second half began just as the first half had ended – with the utmost intensity. After a quick CSB turnover, Gustavus converted on a layup that gave the Gusties their first, and only, lead of the game. Two minutes into the period, the score was tied at 32. At that point the Blazers really turned up the heat. Over the next six minutes, the Blazers rattled off a 19-3 run that destroyed any chance for a Gustavus comeback. The second half surge was directed by senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil’s (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) 10 points, which included two momentum-shifting three-pointers. O’Neil finished the game with 14 points on 5 of 6 shooting. With a 51-35 lead at 11:39, the Blazers kept the intensity high en route to an 18-point victory.
While Schmidt starred on offense and defense, she was not the only one making a big impact in the game. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) completed her seventh double-double of the season – this time with 10 points and 14 rebounds. The Gusties could not find an offensive solution to get around Frank, who grabbed 11 defensive boards and blocked five shots. Junior point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) facilitated the offense to near perfection, especially in the second half. Carter led flawless fast breaks one after another and dished out a season-high eight assists, while turning the ball over just once.
The Blazers are next in action when they face St. Olaf at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 in Northfield, Minn.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Feb. 4
02/04/2008
Frank Selected MIAC Athlete of the Week
02/04/2008First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) was named MIAC Athlete of the Week on Feb. 4. During the prior week, Frank boosted the Blazers to a pair of big victories. The first came on Wednesday, Jan. 30 when CSB defeated the Carleton Knights, who were just one game back from tying the Blazers for the conference lead. Frank contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. Her 11 second-half points helped thwart a Knight comeback as CSB went on to a 73-60 victory over Carleton. Three days later, on Saturday, Feb. 2, Frank played one of her biggest games of the year. The Blazers traveled to St. Paul, where they defeated the Bethel Royals 85-65. Frank recorded a double-double consisting of a season-high 18 points and 15 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards. During the week, Frank averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 rebounds for the Blazers.
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Coast Past Royals
02/02/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (12-3 MIAC, 14-4 overall) defeated the Bethel Royals 85-65 in St. Paul. When these teams last met, on Jan. 5, the Blazers faced a nine-point halftime deficit and trailed 12 points in the second half. However, CSB sparked a comeback and held off the Royals in a last-minute showdown. This time around, the Blazers left nothing to chance. From the opening tip, it was all CSB. Leading the charge was sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) with 20 points. Her total, which came on 8-for-10 shooting, tied her season high.
The Blazers cracked the scoreboard first with a three-pointer by senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) one minute into the game. CSB led from that point on, and did so in a commanding style. The Blazers built a quick lead and continued to add to it. Midway through the first half, CSB went on a 9-0 run that stretched a 15-10 game to 24-10 in favor of the Blazers. At halftime the lead had grown to 17 with a score of 40-23.
CSB used its momentum to coast through the second half and even grew its lead to 25 points with six minutes left in the game. The Blazers’ tenacity proved to be too much for Bethel. CSB scored 30 points off of turnovers, while the Royals scored only nine points in this category. Much of the Blazer defense stemmed from O’Neil and her five steals.
Contributing greatly to the effort on both ends of the floor was first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School). Frank scored a season-high 18 points. She also recorded 15 rebounds and four steals. Frank grabbed 12 of her 15 boards on offense and played a large role in the Blazers’ 23 second chance points. It was clear that CSB out-hustled their opponents as the Royals only recorded 12 points on put-backs. Sophomore wing Anne Kuduk (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View High School) chipped in 11 points on 3 of 4 shooting from three-point range.
The Blazers are next in action when they take on Gustavus at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Gain Revenge Against Carleton
01/30/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (11-3 MIAC, 13-4 overall) defeated the Carleton College Knights 73-60 in a conference showdown. Historically, these teams are the ones to beat come February in the MIAC. The Blazers and Knights have captured seven MIAC titles apiece since the playoff format was instituted in 2001. CSB has earned five regular season and two playoff titles, while four of Carleton’s came in the playoffs and three in the regular season. Needless to say, these teams know it is going to be a tough matchup each time they meet. After losing 64-61 to the Knights on Dec. 3, the Blazers wanted to pay them back with a win of their own. Senior forward Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) helped CSB do just that as she led the offensive attack with 17 points, including a trio of three-pointers.
Carleton gained an early lead and looked determined to be the first team to defeat CSB in Claire Lynch Hall this season. After five and a half minutes of play, the Knights had jumped out to an 8-2 lead behind six points from junior post Hannah Oken-Berg, who finished with 22 points on the night. Carleton held onto the early lead that peaked at seven points twice over the next 10 minutes. As the Knights’ advantage began to diminish, junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) single-handedly completed the comeback and pushed the Blazers ahead of Carleton for the first time in the game. From 6:40 to 4:08, just over two and a half minutes, Tauer scored 10 points on five shots and grabbed two rebounds. Her first half heroics ignited the Blazer offense. CSB fed off of Tauer’s energy and went into the break with a 37-30 halftime lead. Her counterpart, Falvey, also contributed 10 first-half points.
The Blazers made sure they sent a message as they opened the second half with five quick points and grabbed a 12-point advantage. CSB controlled the tempo for the remainder of the game as it worked its offense through first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School). Frank recorded 13 points, 11 of which came in the second half. The strong Carleton defense was no match for the offensive repertoire offered by Frank and Tauer from the low block. The pair also controlled the lane by pulling down eight rebounds each. Tauer finished the game with 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting. The Blazers shot 50 percent from the field for the game. The Blazer bench, which went nine players deep, outscored Carleton’s 37-16.
CSB is next in action when it takes on Bethel at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 in St. Paul.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Jan. 30
01/30/2008
Tauer’s Shot Lifts Blazers
01/26/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (10-3 MIAC, 12-4 overall) defeated Saint Mary’s 68-66. The Blazers traveled to Winona, Minn. as they attempted to get back on track after their Jan. 23 loss to Concordia, which stemmed from a lack of offensive production. CSB recovered exactly as it wanted by scoring 40 first half points. A good shooting day for the Blazers was nearly not enough to fend off the Cardinals’ comeback. A last-second shot by junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) was the difference that gave CSB the victory. Tauer finished the game with 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting.
A 57.7 team field goal percentage in the first half helped the Blazers jump out to a 40-27 lead over SMU. It took the Cardinals 18 minutes, but they succeeded in finally catching up to CSB. With just over two minutes left to play, the score was tied 60-60. Despite Saint Mary’s relentless second half effort, the Blazers pushed back in the final minutes of the game. The next two minutes simply went back-and-forth. CSB went up one and SMU tied it back up. CSB went up by two and SMU countered with a three-pointer to give them the lead. CSB responded with a three-pointer and SMU came back with another two. With 33 seconds left, the game was once again tied, this time at 66-66. It was the Blazer defense that came up big and forced the Cardinals into a turnover with only 13 seconds remaining. With one possession left, CSB went to Tauer for the big shot, which she hit it with less than one second left on the clock.
Throughout the game, Tauer and sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) led the offensive attack. Schmidt matched Tauer’s performance with 17 points of her own. Schmidt did so on 7 of 10 from the field. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) chipped in a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds to boost the Blazers.
CSB is next in action at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 30 when it takes on Carleton at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
CSB Stumbles in Moorhead
01/23/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (9-3 MIAC, 11-4 overall) was defeated 49-34 by the Concordia-Moorhead Cobbers. After defeating St. Thomas on Jan. 21, the Blazers extended their longest winning streak of the year to eight games. CSB attempted to add one more to their streak, but the Cobbers had different plans for the game at Memorial Auditorium in Moorhead, Minn. The Blazers were led in scoring by first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) with 12 points. Frank also contributed eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
The first few minutes of the game were similar to most CSB basketball games. However, after a few minutes of play, it was obvious that this game was a rarity – the Blazers could not seem to put a string of back-to-back baskets together. By halftime, the Cobbers had gained a 28-15 lead. The second half started with CSB missing its first 15 field goal attempts. This was overwhelming evidence that this was not a normal performance by the Blazers, who were tied for the conference lead entering the game.
Despite their best efforts, the Blazers were unable to overcome their offensive difficulties as they shot 25.5 from the field for the game. Fortunately, CSB never let the game out of hand as they also held Concordia to a slightly better 30.8 team field goal percentage. First-year post Heather Gillund (Ham Lake, Minn./Blaine High School) added six points and six rebounds in an attempt to spark the Blazer offense. Junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) tried to do the same as she dished out a game-high four assists.
The Blazers will take on Saint Mary’s at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 in Winona, Minn.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Top Tommies, Tie Them for First
01/21/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (9-2 MIAC, 11-3 overall) defeated the St. Thomas Tommies 71-64 in Claire Lynch Hall. The Tommies were the last team to beat CSB at home. They accomplished the feat in the regular season finale last year to spoil the Blazers’ perfect home record. This season, CSB refused to allow St. Thomas to be the first team to defeat it at home. The Blazers are now 6-0 in Claire Lynch Hall this season. This match up between MIAC rivals seemed, and sounded, much more like a playoff championship than the midpoint of the regular season schedule. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) led the Blazers with a team-high 16 points.
From the opening tip, the intensity peaked and rarely decreased for the next 40 minutes. On their first possession, the Blazers missed a short jumper from the lane and UST immediately capitalized by scoring the first basket just 20 seconds into the game. CSB knew they would not get any breaks against St. Thomas - the No. 1 team in the conference. Thirty second later, the Blazers tied the score; and then took the lead, 4-2, only one minute after. Halfway through the first period, CSB led by the same two-point margin. Shortly thereafter, the Blazers rattled off an 8-0 run to jump ahead 25-15. They remained steady and went into halftime with a 36-29 lead.
The second half started off mostly the same as CSB set the pace. Seven minutes into the half, the Blazers still held a nine-point advantage. In under two and a half minutes, St. Thomas completed a 9-2 run that diminished its deficit to just two points. But it was the Blazers who responded with another strong effort and outscored UST 9-1 over the following five minutes. CSB led 61-51. It was the third, and final, time the Tommies faced a 10-point deficit. The Blazers held onto their lead down the stretch as Schmidt and first-year point guard Amy Stifter (Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) both shot 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the last 35 seconds to cap off a seven-point victory. After gaining a 4-2 lead early in the game, CSB never let go and led a very tight game for 38 minutes.
The Blazers shot 49 percent from the field, including a 57.7 team field goal percentage in the first half alone. Contributing to the strong offensive effort was first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) and junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School). The frontcourt duo scored 12 and 11 points, respectively.
With this victory, the Blazers improved to 9-2 in conference play and are now tied with St. Thomas for No. 1 in the MIAC. CSB is next in action at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 when they take on Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Jan. 21
01/21/2008
Blazers Overcome Tough Shooting Performance
01/19/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (8-2 MIAC, 10-3 overall) defeated the Hamline Pipers 64-54. The Blazers traveled to St. Paul to take on the Pipers in the final game of their three-game road trip. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) scored a team-high 15 points. Schmidt made 8 of 8 free throws, all of which came in the second half.
The Pipers and Blazers battled back and forth nearly the entire first half. Neither team was able to pull ahead by more than three points until three and a half minutes remaining in the half. At that point, CSB went on a 6-0 run to grab the first substantial advantage of the game. The Blazers went into halftime up 27-23. In the first six minutes of the second period, CSB built up a 10-point lead, the biggest of the game. The Blazers never relinquished the lead and won by the same margin.
Despite shooting only 29.6 percent from the field, CSB was able to battle through and gain the victory. Junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) scored 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting to boost the Blazers. CSB also recorded a season-high 53 team rebounds. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) was the largest contributor with a career-high 18 rebounds. Frank also chipped in 10 points.
The Blazers are next in action at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21 when they take on St. Thomas at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Quick Start Propels Blazers
01/16/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (7-2 MIAC, 9-3 overall) defeated the St. Catherine Wildcats 73-45. The Blazers hit the floor running and the Wildcats never quite caught up. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) won the tip-off and less than 30 seconds later scored the first basket of the game. From that point on, CSB never let go of the lead on their way to a 28-point victory. Like the Blazers, Frank started quickly and played hard throughout the game. Frank finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds – her third double-double in the last five games.
After scoring on the first possession of the game, CSB continued by jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the first six minutes of play. For the next ten minutes, St. Catherine matched the Blazers 13-13, but still trailed 26-16 in the game. In need of another boost, the CSB defense kicked in and did not allow the Wildcats to score for the remaining four minutes of the half. Meanwhile, the Blazers posted a 9-0 run that gave them a 35-16 advantage at halftime. Starting the second half, the pace had been set and CSB kept up while St. Catherine continued to fall behind.
The Blazer turned around a rough shooting night – just 36.5 percent from the field – by scoring 73 points, a mark they have surpassed only three other times this season. To remedy the offensive troubles, CSB’s defense stepped up by holding the Wildcats to a 27.3 percent shooting performance on the night. For the Blazers, senior forward Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High Schoool) and first-year wing Laura Canton (Pine Island, Minn./Pine Island High School) matched Frank with exactly 10 points apiece.
The Blazers will take on Hamline at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 in St. Paul.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Three-Pointers Boost CSB
01/12/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (6-2 MIAC, 7-3 overall) defeated Augsburg 72-69 in Minneapolis. After battling back and forth the Blazers pulled ahead twice throughout the game. However, the relentless Auggies found a way to come back both times and forced overtime. Despite their efforts, CSB fended off Augsburg in the extra period. The Blazers were led in scoring by senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School). She finished the game with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including 5-for-7 from behind the arc. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) contributed a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Defensively, Frank totaled five blocked shots and O’Neil recorded four steals.
The Blazers and Auggies struggled to gain an advantage for nearly the entire first half. However, with just over two minutes remaining in the half and the scored tied 25-25, CSB finally found an opportunity to jump ahead. A string of three-pointers – one from O’Neil, sophomore wing Anne Kuduk (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View High School), and first-year wing Laura Canton (Pine Island, Minn./Pine Island High School) – produced a 9-0 CSB run and gave the Blazers a quick 34-25 lead going into halftime. After a 8-0 Augsburg streak and a later 9-2 CSB response, the rollercoaster continued in the second half. With two minutes left in regulation, Augsburg took a 60-59 lead. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) answered with a three-pointer to give CSB its last lead in regulation. The basket was just three of Schmidt’s 16 points in the game.
An Augsburg field goal and a 62-62 tie necessitated an extra period. The Auggie’s multiple comebacks were suppressed once for all in overtime. Another three-pointer – this time from O’Neil – made the difference. Just 15 seconds into overtime, O’Neil hit the three that gave the Blazers a lead they held onto until their 72-69 victory.
The Blazers will play at St. Catherine’s at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Outrebound Scots, Hold On to Win
01/09/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (5-2 MIAC, 7-3 overall) defeated the Macalester Scots 62-49 at home. Even though the Scots have never won a basketball game in Claire Lynch Hall, they put up quite a fight. Despite ball handling troubles throughout the game, CSB was able to maintain control of the pace with its defense and rebounding. The Blazers were led in scoring by junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) with 15 points. Tauer shot 6 of 9 from the field and also added four boards and three assists.
Macalester was not afraid of the Blazers, and it showed. The Scots forced CSB into five turnovers in the first four minutes of play and 11 turnovers before halftime. The Blazers overcame their turnovers by making 61. percent of their field goal attempts in the first half. Due to its great shooting efficiency, CSB went into the half with a 32-19 advantage. In the second half, Macalester continued to pressure Blazer ballhandlers, but CSB persevered. The Blazers followed up their first half shooting efforts by hitting 57.9 percent of their field goals in the second period.
An even greater success for the Blazers was the fact that they out rebounded the Scots 31-15 in the game. Macalester’s Trina PaStarr and Ann Baltzer are currently No. 3 and No. 5 in the MIAC in rebounding. Together they average 18.2 boards per game, but the Blazers held them to just seven rebounds. The efforts to secure rebounds translated into many extra possessions for CSB. Also helping to gain additional possessions were first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) and senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School). Frank finished the game with five blocked shots and nine rebounds. O’Neil contributed with four steals as well.
The Blazers will take on Augsburg at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 in Minneapolis.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Jan. 9
01/09/2008
Shooting Struggles Don’t Stop CSB
01/07/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (4-2 MIAC, 6-3 overall) defeated the St. Olaf Oles 66-43 at home. Early in the game, St. Olaf’s defense caused many problems for the Blazers. For nearly the entire first half, it seemed as if CSB was unable to get on track. However, when it finally pulled things together, there was nothing more the Oles could do to prevent the imminent Blazer victory. CSB was led in scoring by first-year wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) with 14 points. Senior wing Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) was right behind her with 13 points of her own.
From the early moments of the game, it was obvious to the fans that they were not seeing the typical start of a Blazer basketball game. CSB currently leads the nation with an average of just 13 turnovers per game. However, in the first two and a half minutes of play, the Blazers had turned the ball over three times already. Nearly six minutes into the game, CSB remained scoreless; fortunately, the Oles had only scored four points at that juncture. The Blazers did not make their first field goal until seven minutes into the game – an apparent shooting slump was haunting CSB. Despite their problems shooting, the Blazers gained a 17-10 lead with approximately five minutes remaining in the first half. But it was the Oles who finished the half strong as they went on an 11-1 run to enter halftime with a 21-18 lead over CSB.
With a 21.7 first half field goal percentage looming over their heads, the Blazers needed to make some changes, and quickly. That is exactly what they did. Coming into the second half, CSB increased its defensive intensity dramatically and found ways to create better shots. St. Olaf’s Elyse Erickson, who scored 14 first half points, was held to just two points in the second period. Defensive plays by first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) and senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) sparked new energy for the Blazers. Frank finished the game with five blocked shots as O’Neil grabbed four steals.
The Blazers, who trailed 21-18 at halftime, outscored the Oles 48-22 in the second half. CSB shot a stunning 66.7 percent from the field in the second half. Led by Waytashek, who made all three of her three point attempts, the Blazers shot 8 of their 10 from behind the arc in the half. Falvey scored all of her 13 points in the second half effort to secure the win.
The Blazers will play next against Macalester College at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Jan. 7
01/07/2008
Falvey and Frank Ignite Comeback, Tauer and Carter Finish It Off
01/05/2008The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (3-2 MIAC, 5-3 overall) defeated the Bethel University Royals 63-57 in Claire Lynch Hall. Both teams entered the game 2-2 in conference play looking for a boost as MIAC play resumed after the holiday break. For most of the game, it appeared as if Bethel would be the team to walk away with the hopeful boost in the new year. However, with a great deal of teamwork and a few individual showcases, the Blazers crawled back to gain a tough victory. From the perimeter, senior wing Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) scored a game-high 14 points while shooting 3 of 3 from both the free throw line and behind the arc. On the inside, first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) recorded her first career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The hard fought game turned into a story of two halves. The first period belonged to Bethel as the Royals shot 40 percent from the field and led for 14 minutes of the half. At halftime, Bethel had a nine-point lead to show for its control of the game. The second period began in similar fashion, but would soon shift gears. The Royals maintained command of the game as they boosted their lead to a game-high 12 points just three minutes into the half. However, roles soon reversed as CSB began to creep back into the game. The Blazer defense showed vast improvements as their tenacity increased by the minute. CSB held Bethel to just 29.2 percent shooting in the second half. The strong defensive play by Frank and many others fueled the Blazer offense and led to a 48.4 shooting percentage in the second period.
Falvey and Frank contributed on both ends of the floor throughout the game, especially during the second half surge. However, it was the late game efforts by the pair of juniors from Edina, Minn. – forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) and point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) – that capped off the Blazer comeback. With only four and a half minutes remaining in the game, CSB still had not seen a second half lead. Down two points, Tauer penetrated and found first-year forward Betsy Hutchinson (Detroit Lakes, Minn./Detroit Lakes) with a quick dish to tie the game at 51-51. Just forty seconds later, the two connected again as Tauer drove into the lane and dished outside to Hutchinson for an open 18-foot baseline jumper that gave CSB a 53-52 lead – its first lead of the half. After allowing a basket, the Blazers went back to their junior forward. Tauer took it to the basket, yet again, and this time finished it herself to regain a one-point advantage.
After eight lead changes or ties in a two and a half minute period of time, the excitement and anxiety rose immensely. The Blazers gained possession of the ball with 46 seconds remaining in the game with the score tied 57-57. After looking for many different options, the shot clock wound down and Carter took the game into her own hands. She received the ball on the top of the key with nine seconds to get a shot off. She faked right and dribbled left into the lane. When halted by the Royals’ interior defense, Carter stepped back and drained a mid-range fade away jumpshot with six seconds on the shot clock. Up two points with 22 seconds remaining, the Blazers needed a defensive stop and got exactly that. As Carter provided heavy pressure on a post entry pass, Tauer moved quickly across the lane to anticipate the entry and stole the ball. Following an open court intentional foul, Carter made two free throws as CSB completed the comeback and gained a six-point victory.
The Blazers are next in action at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7 when they take on St. Olaf at home. The game will be the second of three games held in Claire Lynch Hall in only five days.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Jan. 5
01/05/2008
Blazers Bench Defeats Clarke
12/15/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (2-2 MIAC, 4-3 overall) defeated the Clarke College Crusaders 75-45 in a non-conference game before it takes a break for the holidays. After traveling approximately six hours to Dubuque, Iowa, nearly every Blazer made a contribution of some sort. Eighteen players recorded minutes in what turned out to be a very one-sided contest. The Blazers were led in scoring by first-year wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) with 13 points, all of which were scored in the first half.
Behind Waytashek’s offense, the Blazers had a “really great first half,” Coach Mike Durbin said. CSB accumulated a 44-21 lead after twenty minutes of play. The second half was more of the same as the Blazers continued to control the pace of the game. CSB out-rebounded the Crusaders 46-31 in the game. The Blazers also forced Clarke into 26 turnovers. The extra possessions translated into 27 points off of turnovers and 16 points off of offensive rebounds for CSB. The Blazer offense was sparked, in part, by senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil’s (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) four steals.
Without an individual standout performance, it was the Blazer bench that collectively stole the show. First-year wing Amy Stifter (Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer) led the charge with 10 points from the backcourt. The Blazer bench, which featured eight first-year players, outscored Clarke’s reserves 49-7.
The Blazers have a few weeks off for the holidays. They are next in action at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 5 when they play Bethel in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Can't Get by Gusties
12/05/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (2-2 MIAC, 3-3 overall) was defeated 70-62 by the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties. Going into the game, the Blazers’ goal was to stop the Gusties by slowing down MIAC-leading scorer Jess Vadnais, who before this contest was averaging 24 points per game. CSB did exactly that as it held Vadnais to just 11 points on 3 of 12 shooting. The Blazer defense came through, unfortunately, the rest of the Gustavus team produced just enough offense to make up for the points missing from their senior wing.
CSB had five leads throughout the game, but none of them were greater than a single point. The Blazers held a 33-32 advantage at halftime. The Blazers made 46 percent of their field goal attempts in the first half, but went on to shoot just 33 percent from the field in the following period. Despite their strong defense and rebounding, the CSB offense could not maintain its performance for a second half.
On 5 of 8 shooting, senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) scored a team-high 14 points. Fellow wings, senior Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) and sophomore Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) each finished the game with 12 points. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) came close to her first career double-double as she recorded nine points and nine rebounds. Frank also added two blocks and two steals defensively.
The Blazers are next in action against Clarke College at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 in Dubuque, Iowa.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Knights Hang On to Defeat Blazers
12/03/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (3-2 overall, 2-1 MIAC) was defeated 64-61 by the Carleton Knights. The preseason selections for the No. 1 and No. 2 spot in the conference met in Northfield, Minn. Despite it being only three games into to MIAC regular season, this game had a definite playoff mentality. This should have come as no surprise for the Blazers and Knights, both of whom are atop the conference standings nearly every year and have a celebrated postseason history with each other.
In true playoff fashion, this contest was not decided until the final buzzer sounded. A back-and-forth first half ended in a 28-26 Blazer lead. The second period was a similar battle until Carleton grabbed a seven-point advantage, the greatest separation either team created throughout the contest. Six tied-scores, nine lead changes, and no double-digit deficits resulted in a last minute spectacle. The Blazers made a surge and pulled within three points, but came up just shy of the Knights as regulation expired.
The Blazers were led in scoring by sophomore Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) with 14 points. Senior wing Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) was second with 12 points; she also grabbed seven rebounds. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) matched Falvey’s seven boards and recorded all three of CSB’s blocked shots in the game.
The Blazers are next in action at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 when they take on Gustavus in St. Peter, Minn.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
CSB Wings Fly By Cardinals
12/01/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (3-1 overall, 2-0 MIAC) defeated Saint Mary’s Cardinals 73-61. The Blazers kept a 22-year old streak alive with the win against Saint Mary’s. The Cardinals have not defeated CSB in Claire Lynch Hall since Dec. 7, 1985. Head coach Mike Durbin still has never lost to SMU when at home. The Blazers were led by a trio of high-energy wings – sophomore Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and seniors Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) and Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School). Schmidt, Falvey and O’Neil contributed 20, 17 and 10 points respectively.
From the jump ball, the Blazers and Cardinals battled back and forth, but neither team could gain separation from the other. After 10 minutes of play, the scored remained tied at 15. Only a few seconds later, the tide changed dramatically. Within three minutes the Blazers had gained a 12-point lead, but it did not stop there. CSB kept the streak going and completed a 21-3 run that left Saint Mary’s with nothing but questions. During the run, seven Blazers scored, including seven points from Schmidt. CSB went into halftime with a 36-22 lead.
The second half began with a defensive showcase by O’Neil, who recorded three steals in less than two and a half minutes to spark the Blazers. CSB scored the first nine points of the half. Despite a 23-point deficit, SMU did not want to be counted out. The Cardinals mounted a comeback against an all-first-year Blazer lineup. Saint Mary’s pulled within five points just a few minutes before the game ended. CSB would not allow a close finish and went on to a 12-point victory.
The Blazers scored 29 points off of Saint Mary’s turnovers throughout the contest. O’Neil finished the game with five steals included in the 22 SMU turnovers that fueled CSB’s offense. Falvey and Schmidt led the team with six field goals each. The pair also shot a combined 11-for-11 from the free throw line.
CSB is next in action at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 in Northfield, Minn. when it takes on the Carleton College Knights.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Dec. 1
12/01/2007
Blazers to Play Carleton, Knights Sponsor Food Drive
11/30/2007On Monday, Dec. 3, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team (1-0 MIAC, 2-1 overall) will travel to Northfield, Minn. to take on MIAC rival Carleton College. The 7:30 p.m. game in West Gym will feature two of the conference's top teams and benefit the local community as well.
Admission to the highly anticipated game is free with a suggested donation of two canned food items or other non-perishable food items. All food collected will support food bank organizations in the Northfield area.
The contest should prove to be one of the best of the regular season as the Blazers were selected as the favorite in the MIAC pre-season coaches' poll. The Carleton Knights were right behind at No. 2.
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Outshoot Cobbers in Home Opener
11/28/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (1-0 MIAC, 2-1 overall) defeated the Concordia-Moorhead Cobbers 79-71 in the 2007-08 home opener in Claire Lynch Hall. Tonight’s game was also the first contest in this season’s MIAC regular season schedule. The Cobbers started strong and posted a good shooting percentage, but they could not hold off the explosive Blazer offense. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and first-year wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) led the charge with 16 points each for CSB.
Tonight’s contest started as most between the Blazers and Cobbers do, neck-to-neck. It was Concordia who gained the first advantage and built a seven point lead halfway through the first period. The CSB deficit quickly diminished as the Blazer offense heated up. CSB gained a five point lead going into the half. The beginning of the second period was more of the same as the teams tried to gain momentum. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, Waytashek rattled off nine of her 16 points in a five minute span that stretched the Blazer lead to 20. CSB coasted to the finish and earned an eight-point victory in the MIAC opener.
Schmidt finished the game 7 of 7 from the free throw line and 4 of 7 from the field to compile her 16 points. Waytashek was 6-for-9 from the field. As a team, the Blazers recorded a .520 field goal percentage and .885 free throw percentage. Junior point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, Minn./Edina High School) and senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) also contributed strong offensive performances. Carter and O’Neil tallied 13 and 11 points respectively.
The Blazers are next in action at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 when they take on St. Mary’s at home in Claire Lynch Hall.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball GameDay - Nov. 28
11/28/2007
Blazers Bounce Back in a Big Way
11/17/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (1-1 overall) defeated the Fontbonne University Griffins 90-52 in the second day of the Warrior Tip-Off Tournament in Milwaukee, Wis. After a loss in their season opener yesterday, the Blazers responded with a strong showing today. From the very beginning, this game was all CSB. The Griffins, of St. Louis, Mo., went without a lead or tie for the entire contest. This afternoon’s game displayed more new talent for CSB and showed their potential as 10 Blazers recorded 10 or more minutes played. The Blazer bench outscored the Griffin bench 62-15.
The Blazers won the jump ball, scored on two free throws by junior post Alyssa Mohr (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) and never looked back. Eight minutes into the game, CSB had built a 15-4 advantage, and would continue to extend Fontbonne’s deficit. By halftime, the Blazers were in clear control of the game with a 47-19 lead. The second half was more of the same story for CSB as they went on to claim a 38-point victory in their second game of the year. The Blazers finished the game with only 12 turnovers as a team.
The Blazer offense rallied around a trio of wings made up of sophomores Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and Anne Kuduk (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View High School) and first-year Laura Canton (Pine Island, Minn./ Pine Island High School). Canton led the charge with game-high 17 points on 5-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-5 from behind the arc. Schmidt and Kuduk followed with 14 and 10 points, respectively. The Blazers shot 17-of-20 on their free throws attempts and finished with a .448 three-point percentage, the exact same figure as their overall field goal percentage.
The Blazers are next in action at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28 when they play host to the Concordia-Moorhead Cobbers in the CSB’s home opener.
Stats | Warrior Tip-Off | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Drop First in Milwaukee
11/16/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (0-1 overall) was defeated 69-52 by the Wartburg College Knights (Iowa). The Blazers traveled to Milwaukee, Wis. to play the Knights in the first day of the Warrior Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Wisconsion Lutheran. Tonight's game kicked up the 2007-08 season for CSB as they welcome 13 new players and new roles for many other players on the team. Despite the first loss, Blazer fans have nothing to worry about; CSB has not won its first game of the seaon since 2004. The last two years resulted in 21-6 and 22-6 records respectively.
As the Blazers were getting to know each other on the court, Wartburg, which has won three of the last six IIAC championships, got right to business. The Knights took a 3-0 lead just 15 seconds into the game and would hang onto their advantage for the duration of the contest. CSB was trailing 37-30 at half, but despite numerous comeback attempts, the Blazers never gained a lead in the game. The closest they came was a four-point deficit early in the second half when the Blazers pulled it to a score of 42-38.
The Blazers were led in scoring by sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) who finished the game with 18 points, including 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Schmidt also added three steals to try to spark the Blazer defense. Joining her with three steals in the contest were senior wing Mackenzie O'Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) and first-year wing Amy Stifter (Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer High School). Coming off of the bench, first-year wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) and senior wing Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) tallied eight and seven points, respectively.
The Blazers are next in action at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 17) when they take on Fontbonne University in day two of the Warrior Tip-Off Tournament.
Stats | Warrior Tip-Off | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Start Solid in SCSU Exhibition
11/03/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team was defeated 67-61 by St. Cloud State University. The Blazers unofficially kicked off their season with a trip down the road to visit the neighboring Huskies. The contest against Division II SCSU was an exhibition game not counting towards either team’s record. Regardless, it was a tough competition between the two area schools.
The Blazers came back from a 12-point deficit with a minute remaining in the first half and pulled the game within two points just minutes following the break. Head coach Mike Durbin said that he, “was very pleased with our play, especially against a very athletic SCSU team.” It was a great opportunity for CSB to gain experience playing together as a new team and compete against a tough opponent at the same time.
The Blazers were led in scoring by senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) with 14 points. First-year wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) came in next with 10 points off the bench. CSB was able to outrebound the Huskies 43-32, with eight and six boards coming respectively from juniors Alyssa Mohr (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) and Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School).
The Blazers do not play again until they travel to Milwaukee, Wis. for the Warrior Tip-Off Tournament on the weekend of Nov. 16-17. CSB starts the tournament at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 against Wartburg.
Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Picked as Preseason Favorites
11/02/2007The results of this year's preseason poll are in: Blazers picked to win the conference, again.
The College of Saint Benedict basketball team is predicted to earn the top spot in the conference for the 2007-08 season. The preseason poll is compiled by each MIAC coach attempting to rank the conference in the order each other team will finish, without voting for their own team. A first place vote awards the team one point, a second place vote two points, and so on. The team with the fewest points is considered the top team prior to the season and anticipated to win the regular season title.
This year's Blazers, consisting of 13 first-years and nine returners, were a clear favorite. CSB earned seven of the 11 possible first-place votes. The Blazers are coming off of back-to-back MIAC titles and will be looking for one more to add to the list.
Preseason Poll | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Lend a Hand at School
10/23/2007Last week, members of the College of Saint Benedict basketball team spent some time in classrooms off of the college campus. Senior forward Judy Falvey (right; Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School), first-year wing Sarah Duea (left; Hastings, Minn./Hastings HS), and senior student assistant coach Jenna Today (below) visited students at the St. Joe Lab School. The Blazers read to the children during parent/teacher conferences. In one of many ways CSB gives back to the community, the Blazer athletes used their afternoon to reach out to the youth of the surrounding area. The parents and teachers were very appreciative of the time and enthusiasm the CSB students brought to the elementary school classrooms.
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Name 07-08 Basketball Team
10/20/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team announced its roster for the 2007-08 season this morning. After five days of try-outs, Head Coach Mike Durbin and his staff decided on a 22-player roster. The make-up of the team includes two seniors, three juniors, four sophomores, and 13 first-year players. The Blazers are returning three starters and five players that averaged over 15 minutes per game last season. Statistically, CSB also retained a combined 37.8 points, 19.9 rebounds, and eight steals per game from the returners that will lead the Blazers this season.
CSB's first game of the year is an exhibition contest against St. Cloud State on Saturday, Nov. 3 in St. Cloud. The Blazers truly begins their season when they travel to Milwaukee, Wis. on Nov. 16-17 to participate in the Warrior Tip-Off Tournament.
2007-08 Blazer Basketball Roster | 2006-07 Results | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazer Basketball Back in Action
10/15/2007Beginning tonight, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team will be back in Claire Lynch Hall for the 2007-2008 season. The Blazers begin practice tonight, Oct. 15, to determine how the 26 women trying out will be configured into this year’s team. Head coach Mike Durbin and his staff will name the roster on Saturday, Oct. 20. Durbin and the Blazers will look to construct a team that can imitate their 22-6 record from a year ago. In 2006-2007, CSB's impressive performance earned the team its 10th MIAC title, the MIAC playoff championship, and the Blazers' 15th NCAA tournament appearance.
The 26 women looking to play for Durbin this year consist of 10 returners and 16 first-year players. Among those returning to play for CSB will be seniors Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School), Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School), and Jenna Tody (Woodbury, Minn./Woodbury High School). This year’s returning junior Blazers will be point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, Minn./Edina High School), forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn./Edina High School), and post Alyssa Mohr (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School).
The Blazers’ first game of the year is an exhibition contest against St. Cloud State on Saturday, Nov. 3 in St. Cloud. CSB truly begins their season when they travel to Milwaukee, Wis. on Nov. 16-Nov. 17 to participate in the Warrior Tip-Off Tournament.
2006-2007 Results | 2006-2007 Review | Basketball | CSB Sports
Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers Basketball in the Pedal Pub
09/30/2007Nine members of the Blazer basketball team volunteered at the Millstream Arts Festival to help promote Blazer Athletics. They took turns working in the Pedal Pub, a pedal-powered pub on a wagon, as it toured the streets of Saint Joseph and onto the monastery and campus grounds of the College of Saint Benedict. They reached maximum speeds of five miles per hour!
Sophomore Ashley Schleper (left photo) tops off a local citizen’s cup of root beer as the festival grew large with people. It seemed the Pedal Pub caught everyone’s attention with the kind Blazer athletes working it. So thank you Blazer Basketball!
Michael Radtke, CSB Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers agree to new radio home
07/06/2007The College of Saint Benedict basketball team will enter the 2007-08 season with a new radio home after reaching an agreement with Tri-County Broadcasting.
Tri-County plans on carrying all 25 of the Blazers’ regular season games on a new station at 1010 AM, which Tri-County hopes to launch this coming fall.
Regent Broadcasting of St. Cloud had previously broadcasted Blazer basketball games, but due to scheduling had to split broadcasts between two radio stations.
The Blazers are happy with its new radio home and hope to attract a large listening audience for years to come.
Current Saint Benedict play-by-play announcers Tony Amelse and Matt Beirne will continue their duties with the radio move.
If the new station is not operational in time for the Blazers’ season opener 4 p.m. Nov. 16 against Wartburg in Milwaukee, Wis., the team’s games will broadcasted on WVAL (800 AM). Tri-County also plans to promote the CSB basketball games on-air to make sure the listening audience knows where to find the Blazers.
Tom Mix, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
Blazers to play SCSU in exhibition game
06/13/2007The Blazer basketball team already has its eyes on the 2007-08 season as it prepares for a preseason exhibition game with Division II St. Cloud State scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Halenbeck Hall.
The Blazers, who will enter the game as defending back-to-back Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champions, will be looking for a strong showing as the team seeks its third consecutive MIAC title.
CSB and St. Cloud last met during the 1990-2000 season; the Huskies won the game by a score of 77-51.
Basketball | Blazer Basketball Schedule
Tom Mix, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
CSB celebrates basketball program
06/07/2007The College of Saint Benedict Athletic Department celebrated the Blazer basketball program’s accomplishment of winning their 10th Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship and qualifying for their 15th NCAA tournament appearance during the 2006-2007 season in a gathering in St. Cloud.
The celebration honored the efforts of head coach Mike Durbin and assistant coach Denny Johnson who have coached at CSB for the past 21 years.
“I was completely surprised,” Durbin said. “It is an honor to be recognized by my family, friends and the institution I work for.”
Durbin has compiled a 474-127 career coaching record and has a 470-105 record while coaching at Saint Benedict.
The Blazer basketball team has won or shared MIAC championships five of the past six years including back-to-back championships the past two seasons.
After celebrating the successes of the past, the Blazer basketball program will be looking to continue the winning tradition as they prepare for the 2007-2008 season.
Tom Mix, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant
A look at history:
The following is a list of the years the Blazers either won or shared a MIAC championship or qualified for the NCAA Tournament.
1988-89: MIAC Champions; NCAA Qualifier
1989-90: NCAA Qualifier
1990-91: NCAA Qualifier
1991-92: NCAA Sweet 16
1992-93: MIAC Champions; NCAA Final Four
1993-94: NCAA Sweet 16
1994-95: MIAC Champions; NCAA Elite Eight
1995-96: NCAA Qualifier
1996-97: NCAA Qualifier
1997-98: MIAC Co-Champions; NCAA Sweet 16
1998-99: Champions; NCAA Runner-up
2001-02: MIAC Co-Champs; NCAA Qualifier
2002-03: MIAC Tri-Champions
2003-04: MIAC Co-Champions
2004-05: NCAA Sweet 16
2005-06: MIAC Champions; NCAA Qualifier
2006-07: MIAC Champions; NCAA Qualifier
Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098