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Three-pointer at buzzer steals victory away from Ole women's basketball

Jill Johnson
February 9, 2004

The St. Olaf women's basketball team played host to the Bethel College Royals on Saturday, February 7. The two teams were evenly matched throughout the contest, but the Royals stole the game in the last seconds, as Bethel freshman JoLynn Thielke hit a 3-pointer from the top of key at the buzzer, defeating the Oles 80-77.

The two teams played with each other the whole contest. In the first half, the Royals led by three points, while the Oles later led by as much as five points near the end of the half. However, both teams went into the locker room, tied at the break, 42-42.

Both teams shot exceptionally well with the Oles shooting 45.5%, and the Oles aggressive play sent them to the line ten times, hitting nine of the attempts.

Both the Royals and the Oles led by as much as five points in the contest, as a key 3-pointer by Molly Simon (Jr., Hudson, Wisc.) put the Oles up by five points with 4:31 left to play. The Royals responded with a 3-pointer themselves. Four late game turnovers by the Oles helped Bethel take a two point lead with :22 seconds to play.

The Oles took a timeout, then Simon passed the ball inside to Jill Johnson (Sr., Butterfield, Minn.) who made an inside jumper and was fouled on the shot with :14 seconds left to tie the game 77-77. St. Olaf played tough defense down the court, but Bethel freshman JoLynn Thielke hit a 3-pointer from the top of key at the buzzer to seal the game for the Royals 80-77.

The Oles had many players contribute to the effort, and Johnson led the Oles with 21 points and six rebounds. Christina Sampson (FY, North Branch, Minn.) had 15 points, while Christine Schwictenberg (So., Hopkins, Minn.) had 12. Holly Grimsrud (FY, Zumbrota, Minn.) added nine points and four assists, while Simon had six assists, four steals, and five rebounds.

The Oles host Augsburg College on Wednesday, February 11 at Skoglund Arena. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm.

Contact Le Ann Finger at 507-786-3834 or finger@stolaf.edu.