St. Joseph, Minn. - The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (1-0, 0-0 MIAC) notched their first victory in their first game of the season on Nov. 15, winning 65-53 over the Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets (1-0, 0-0 WIAC). The game was their first of the Quinlivan and Hughes Tip-off Tournament. With the win Head Coach Mike Durbin improves his career win total to 595, just five away from the exclusive 600-win club.
 
Neither team was able to create separation in the first half, as the score was tied five times and the lead switched hands five times. Five minutes into the half, Yellowjacket guard Sally Linzmeier sank a jumper, and put her team up 8-3. That was the biggest lead either team would take in the first half, and the Blazers led 27-25 heading into the locker rooms at half. The Blazer bench outscored the Yellowjacket bench 14-to-4 in that half, including six from first-year Macy Kelly (Red Wing, Minn.).
 
The Blazers started to create some separation in the second half. With 12:46 to play senior wing Brianna Barrett (Annandale, Minn.) nailed a three pointer to give the Blazers a double-digit lead at 10-points.
 
After two free throws from Lenzmeier at the six minute mark, the Yellowjackets cut the Blazers' lead to four. That was as close as the Yellowjackets would make it however, as Barrett made 4-of-4 free-throws over the final four minutes to seal the 65-53 victory.
 
The seniors led the way for the Blazers, as they got 18 points from Barrett. She did not miss a single shot in the game, making 6-of-6 field goals and 4-of-4 shots from charity stripe.
 
Senior forward Morgan "Windex" Dale opened her season campaign with a double-double, notching 10 points and 10 rebounds on the night. Four of her rebounds were offensive.
 
The Blazers return to action tomorrow in Clare Lynch Hall when they will take on the St. Scholastica Saints in their tournament finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.