HELENA, Mont. - The Carroll College Women's Basketball team had a rare opportunity to host an NCAA Divisiona I team, Montana State, on Saturday in an exhibition contest, falling 73-63 in front of a packed house at the Carroll College PE Center.

The Fighting Saints (1-1) were bound to have a good night, regardless of the outcome with the Bobcats.

Saturday's game was the cherry on top of a weekend full of memories, laughs, and motivation for the current Carroll Women's Basketball team.

2023 marks 50 years of Women's Basketball at Carroll, and alumni from each of the last five decades descended upon campus for a celebration of the countless athletes, coaches, managers, and others associated with the Carroll program.

After one quarter of play, Montana State would hold a five point advantage, 19-14, converting their opportunities at a higher-clip than Carroll (MSU 64.3 FG%, CC 35.7FG%).

The Cats would extend their lead heading into halftime, carrying a 33-24 lead into the break after a quarter where Carroll simply couldn't get a ball to fall in the net. Carroll went 1-11 from the field, with nearly all of their second quarter points coming from the charity stripe.

Both teams would shoot the ball much better in the third frame, with each team shooting at least 50 percent from the field.

Carroll would make a charge in the third. The Saints would narrow the lead to as little as three points, but a a series of untimely turnovers would allow MSU to stretch the lead back out to double-digits heading into the fourth.

The Saints would get several decent looks from long range to start the fourth, but couldn't seem to cash in on their opportunities, and the Bobcats would wrap up the 73-63 exhibition win.

Maddie Geritz (Boise, Idaho / GR) was one of, if not the most impactful players on the court. Geritz finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, leading Carroll in both categories. Ava Oakland (Boise, Idaho / SO) was impressive once again, pouring in 13 points and grabbing six boards, while Jamie Pickens (Helena, Mont. / SR) scored 10 and grabbed five rebounds.
Willa Albrecht (Billings, Mont. / JR) scored 11, pulled down four rebounds, and finished with six assists on her night.

Katelyn Limardo was the top option for the Cats, finishing with 15 points, seven rebounds, and a pair of assists.

Up next for the Saints is a trip to Arizona next weekend to take on Arizona Christian and Embry-Riddle.

Visit www.carrollatheltics.com for previews of those games, and to stay up to date with everything going on in Carroll Athletics.