December has arrived, and with fresh snowfall settling in, winter is officially here. Warm up inside and cheer on our Cardinal student-athletes as they close out the semester with a full slate of action at Saint Mary’s.
LAST WEEK OF GAMES FOR WOMEN’S HOCKEY
The Cardinals return from Thanksgiving break ready for their final games of 2025. The women’s hockey team (2-4-0, 1-3-0) will host Concordia (MN) this Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, in their only games of the month.
Saturday’s 3:00 p.m. matchup will be especially meaningful, as the team hosts Rally for Riley, a cancer awareness game in support of teammate Riley Vander Esch, who was diagnosed earlier this season with a diffuse midline glioma (H3 K27). As Riley completes radiation and prepares for the promising treatment ONC201, the Cardinals are rallying around her strength and courage.
The afternoon will include a ceremonial puck drop with Riley and multiple fundraising opportunities benefiting brain tumor research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All ticket sales, concessions, Chuck-a-Puck proceeds, and silent auction earnings will support the cause, with card reader stations available for direct donations. A silent auction will run in the lobby via paper and QR-code bidding, with winners completing payment through the St. Jude donation page and picking up items on-site.
WEEKEND ON THE ROAD FOR MEN’S HOCKEY
The Saint Mary’s men’s hockey team (4-2-1, 2-0-0) returns to conference play following a 6-4 loss to MSOE on Nov. 25. The Cardinals hit the road this weekend for a two-game series against Concordia, beginning Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:05 p.m., before wrapping up the trip with a Saturday matchup in Moorhead at 2:00 p.m.
TRACK & FIELD KICKS OFF SEASON
The track and field team opens its season in traditional fashion with the annual Red/White Alumni Meet on Saturday, Dec. 6 at noon. Following the meet, alumni are invited to a post-event gathering with food provided.
Those planning to attend are asked to fill out the Alumni Meet Sign-Up or email Head Coach Darren Schneider at djschnei@smumn.edu.
HOMESTAND FOR WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Riding a four-game win streak, the Saint Mary’s women’s basketball team (5-1) returns home after a dominant road weekend—topping Grinnell 77-49 and then taking down Simpson 76-70, highlighted by sophomore Brianna Nusbaum’s record-breaking 33-point performance.
The Cardinals open conference play on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. against Carleton College, then remain home to host Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1:00 p.m.
MEN’S BASKETBALL ENTERS CONFERENCE PLAY
After weather-related schedule changes and two hard-fought losses to Lake Forest and Marian, the Saint Mary’s men’s basketball team (0-7) looks to turn the page with the start of conference competition.
The Cardinals travel to Carleton on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m., then return home for a 3:00 p.m. matchup against Gustavus Adolphus on Saturday.
Safe travels to all fans heading to games this week, Go Cardinals!
