MILWAUKEE – The Gustavus Adolpus College women's basketball team overcame a slow start for the second consecutive night, trailing DePauw University 27-21 at halftime. However, Coach
Laurie Kelly's squad erupted for 26 points in the third quarter, taking a 47-40 lead into the final frame. The Gusties built their advantage to as many as 14 points midway through the fourth quarter, ultimately holding off a late rally from DePauw to claim a hard-fought 56-52 victory. Junior forward
Whitley Ronn led the team with 14 points and seven rebounds.
In the first half, the Gusties struggled offensively, shooting just 33.3 percent from the field (9-for-27) and 10 percent from three-point range (1-for-10). Despite these challenges, solid team defense and rebounding kept the score within reach at 27-21 by intermission.
Gustavus found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter, shooting an impressive 60 percent overall (9-for-15) and 55 percent from beyond the arc (5-for-9). Ronn spearheaded the surge with eight points, including two three-pointers. After trailing DePauw 36-33 midway through the quarter, the Gusties mounted an impressive comeback, outscoring the Tigers 22-5 over the final five minutes of the third and the first four minutes of the fourth. This surge propelled Gustavus to its largest lead of the game at 55-41 with six minutes left.
However, the closing moments proved tense as DePauw heated up, launching an 11-0 run that sliced the lead down to just three points at 55-52 with 49 seconds remaining. Junior
Anna Goodman halted the Gustie scoring drought by sinking one of two free throws with just 8 seconds on the clock, sealing the victory.
In addition to Ronn's strong performance,
Anna Goodman contributed 11 points and seven assists.
Olivia Grothaus made a significant impact off the bench, adding 11 points and six rebounds, while
Ella Peters recorded eight points and pulled down 13 rebounds.
The Gusties will return to action for their 2025-26 home opener on Wednesday, November 19, hosting the UW-River Falls Falcons at 7:00 PM on Gus Young Court.
