Box Score Bismarck, ND – Laura Petersen scored a career-high 25 points and the University of Mary women's basketball team steamrolled the Concordia University – St. Paul Golden Bears 81-52. U-Mary never trailed in the game and the Marauders inch closer to securing home court in the opening round of the Northern Sun conference tournament.
 
A junior from Osseo, WI, Petersen hit four treys to lead all players. She hit 7-of-11 shots from the floor and went 7-of-9 at the free throw line. Peteersen also played stellar defense, leading the Marauders with four steals. She also pulled down six rebounds. Her previous scoring best was 23 points against Concordia University on December 4, 2010.
 
The Marauders jumped out to a quick start as Ali Collins nailed a three pointer from above the key on the first shot of the game. A 20-3 run in the first half that included 10 points from Petersen would push U-Mary to a 38-18 lead.
 
The Golden Bears would close to within 10 points in the second half but the Marauders responded by turning up the pressure and outscore CU 31-12 in the final 15 minutes of the game.
 
Three other Marauders also cracked double digits in scoring. Shaunna Knife had 13 points and added two blocks and two steals. Linda Murray contributed ten points and five rebounds.
 
Off the bench, Kaitlyn Haag chipped in 12 points and added four rebounds. Also in a reserve role, Lindsey Sand contributed eight points, five assists and six rebounds.
 
Anika Whiting led the Golden Bears with 17 points and Rachel Hansen added 11.
 
With two games left in the regular season for U-Mary, the Marauders maintain their hold on third place in the NSIC standings, staying a half-game ahead of Minnesota Duluth. Snapping a three-game losing streak, the Marauders improve to 16-8 overall and 13-7 in the NSIC. Concordia slips to 10-16 and 7-13.
 
U-Mary next hosts St. Cloud State University on Saturday, February 18, at 4 PM.