Guard Kaylie Brazil searches the court for an open pass to a teammate. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Sophomore guard Kelsie Cox drives to the rim for a layup in the second quarter. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Hannah Spaulding collects a rebound on the ground and attempts to pass it to a teammate. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Senior guard Lucia Renikoff drives for a layup against Wartburg defender Emma Gerdes. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Tommie center Hannah Spaulding is fouled by Wartburg forward Emma Gerdes (right). (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Senior guard Bobbi Brendefur leaps in attempt to block a shot from Wartburg forward Emma Gerdes. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Sophomore guard Macy Hastlestad (left) celebrates a Tommie victory with teammate Bobbi Brendefur (right). (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
The Tommie bench celebrates together as the final whistle blows, announcing their advancement to the 2019 Final Four. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
President Julie Sullivan cuts a part of the net amid post-game celebrations with the team. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Tommie head coach Ruth Sinn celebrates with her team by being the final member of the squad to cut down the net on the home end of the court. (Jacob Schneider/TommieMedia)
Senior guard Lucia Renikoff’s 22 points led No. 2 St. Thomas to an 85-54 victory over No. 11 Wartburg College in the NCAA Elite Eight Saturday at Schoenecker Arena.
The Tommies (30-1) punched their ticket to the 2019 NCAA Final Four with a win over the Knights (27-4). This is the second time in the past three years that the Tommies will compete for a chance to win the national championship.
“When you get into tournament atmosphere like that especially going to the Final Four, it’s an electric feeling,” coach Ruth Sinn said. “We’re really excited to have another week together.”
Renikoff scored five 3-point shots, reaching 200 career 3-pointers in the process.
“It’s a result of my teammates getting in the ball, not doing it all myself,” Renikoff said. “ That’s exciting, but (I’m) more excited about getting another opportunity in the Final Four.”
The Tommies tied the school record with successful 3-point baskets, scoring 16 in total on the night.
“It definitely was an advantage that we thought we could capitalize with (3-point shots),” Sinn said.
Center Hannah Spaulding recorded a first half double-double for the second straight night, showing her value on both ends of the court for the Tommies.
“Our teammates put us in such a good position to get the ball,” Spaulding said. “We have so many weapons that they can’t just focus on one of us.”
This was the second matchup between the two teams this season after the Knights handed the Tommies a 60-40 loss on Dec. 30. That game was the Tommies’ only loss of the season.
The Tommies, who won their last national championship in 1991, will now face No. 3 Bowdoin College in the NCAA Division III Final Four on March 15 in Salem, Virginia.
Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.
Jacob Schneider can be reached at schn6923@stthomas.edu.