Photo by David Borer: St. Edmond’s Sophia Schlienz knocks down a three-point shot Friday night against Webster City.

WEBSTER CITY — With a 43-30 victory over Webster City here Friday night, the St. Edmond girls matched their win total from a year ago.

Last season, the Gaels won eight games for the first time since the 2016-17 season. They have nine scheduled dates left in the regular season to surpass that number.

St. Edmond (8-3 overall, 5-2 in North Central Conference) has 16 wins the past two seasons after earning just that many from 2017-2024.

“All of the credit (for the turnaround) goes to these girls,” SEHS head coach CJ Tracy said. “They have put in the work to help rebuild this program into what we want it to become.”

Sophia Schlienz and Chloe Palmer each scored 12 points to pace the Gaels, as Eden Horn added 10. Anna Lursen scored seven and Maggie Flaherty added two.

Schlienz knocked down four 3-pointers, taking advantage of constant double teams inside on Horn.

“Sophia is a great shooter and her confidence only continues to grow,” Tracy said. “We talked ahead of time about our shooters having to be ready and Sophia did a tremendous job.”

For the Lynx (5-7, 2-5), Evie Davis had seven points and both Tristyn Wright and Alivia Burns scored six.

Webster City scored 11 in the opening period, but the St. Edmond defense allowed just 19 the rest of the way.

“We started out a little slow and flat,” Tracy said. “Give Webster City credit because they had more energy. We talked about winning the rebound battle and I felt like we did after the first.

“Our shots weren’t falling early, but we always talk about hanging our hat on our defense. Eventually, the shots started to fall, but our defense was what carried us.”

Next action for the Gaels will be Tuesday at Iowa Falls-Alden before returning home to host Clarion-Goldfield/Dows on Friday night. Webster City heads to Hampton-Dumont/CAL on Tuesday and hosts Humboldt Friday.

ST. EDMOND 43, WEBSTER CITY 30

St. Edmond — Sophia Schlienz 12, Anna Lursen 7, Maggie Flaherty 2, Chloe Palmer 12, Eden Horn 10.

Webster City — Alivia Burns 6, Evie Davis 7, Jaylyn Bahrenfuss 5, Ashlee Nydegger 2, Tristyn Wright 6, Lovie Pruismann 4.

Quarter scores: St. Edmond led 12-11, 25-19, 29-23.