ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Led by Megan Morgan, Sofia Baldessari and Sophia Jonas, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team extended its winning streak to five games with a 72-52 victory over Carleton on Saturday at Claire Lynch Hall. The win improves CSB's record to 6-1 this season and 2-0 in MIAC play, putting them in a tie for first place with Bethel (5-1, 2-0 MIAC).

Junior guard Megan Morgan led the way with 15 points, a career-high seven assists, and six rebounds. First-year forward Sofia Baldessari also shone with 14 points and eight rebounds, setting her own career-best performance. Senior guard Sophia Jonas contributed 12 points, five assists, and four rebounds while surpassing 900 career points (902) and tying for third place on the MIAC's all-time three-pointers list with 210. (Jess Vadnais, Gustavus, 210, 2004-08). Jonas, who now has 48 career double-digit scoring games, made 4-of-10 from three-point range. With two more threes, she will take over second (Missy Pederson, St. Thomas, 1998-02) and is now 46 threes from the all-time mark of 255 by Brooklyn Paulson Saint Mary's, 2018-23.

"It was great to see the group effort again," said head coach Mike Durbin. "We had a really explosive first half, which was led by the offensive rebounding and scoring of Sofia (Baldessari). We played strong defense and did all the necessary things to be successful. Megan had another solid game for us, and Sophia hit a number of important threes."

Morgan went 5-for-9 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line, marking her sixth double-digit scoring performance this season and her 19th of her career. Baldessari finished the game 7-of-9 shooting with four offensive rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 29 minutes on the floor.

Additionally, first-year Tatum Findley contributed nine points and four rebounds, while senior forward Olivia Boily added eight points. Junior guard Megan Driste set a career-high with eight rebounds and tied her personal-best with three assists while adding five points and two steals.

CSB controlled the game from the beginning, leading 22-12 at the end of the first quarter and extending its lead to 44-22 at halftime thanks to a 22-10 second quarter. The team outshot Carleton 48.6% (17-of-35) to 32.1% (9-of-28) in the first half while also outscoring them 6-to-2 in three-pointers. Despite Carleton narrowing the lead in the third quarter, CSB closed strong with a 17-12 edge in the fourth while shooting 53.8% in the final frame.

For the game, CSB outshot Carleton 46.7% (28-of-60) compared to 37% (20-of-54). They also controlled the boards, securing 44 rebounds compared to Carleton's 24 and outscoring them 14-2 in second-chance points. CSB also led 16-11 in points off turnovers.

The Bennies will return to the road for their next contest against Saint Mary's on Tuesday, December 10.