GOLDEN, Colo. – Sofia Baldessari broke the single-game scoring record for Mines women's basketball Friday, scoring 45 points in the Orediggers' 98-42 win against Nelson (Ariz.) inside Lockridge Arena.
 
Baldessari's 45 points in just 26 minutes of action surpassed the previous record of 40 set by teammate Jenna Shandy against Chadron State last season. The sophomore finished the game 12-of-23 from the floor including four three-pointers on nine attempts. She also went 9-for-10 at the free-throw line and added seven rebounds, five steals, one block, and one assist. Shandy also stuffed the box score thanks to 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. Six of Shandy's seven assists were to Baldessari. Lindsey Jones added to the highlights with 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Jade Leon led all players on the glass by grabbing 13 rebounds. Also notable were four assists from Emily Thomas and five steals by Quincey Baum. Nya Misi Havatone was Nelson's leading scorer with 14 points.
 
As a team, Mines (6-8) dominated nearly every facet of the game including a 53-26 rebounding advantage with 20 steals on 27 Nelson (2-14) turnovers. The Warriors did have a betting shooting percentage from behind the arc, but the Orediggers shrugged that advantage off by draining 15 out of 16 free-throw opportunities while converting 48 percent of their 77 shot attempts from the floor. Mines scored 44 of its points in the paint and recorded 38 points off turnovers. Nelson was just 3-of-6 at the charity stripe but benefited from 27 points off the bench.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first Oredigger home action of 2026 was a wire-to-wire victory with zero ties and zero lead changes. Baldessari and Shandy combined for Mines' first 10 points as the home team jumped to a 12-0 lead in the first five minutes. That margin was 23-3 at the end of the first quarter and Baldessari already had 11 points on 60-percent shooting from the floor. The second quarter saw Baldessari shoot 100 percent from the floor on four attempts while registering nine more points. Six points off the hand of Jones helped the Orediggers carry a 44-14 lead into the locker room.
 
Nelson came out of the break and scored 13 points in the third quarter. However, Baldessari's 17-point production alone offset the Warriors' best period of the afternoon thus far. Olivia Campbell also provided a spark for Mines in the 35-point, third-quarter outburst by scoring seven on 3-of-3 shooting. Baldessari's record-breaking basket came in the fourth quarter with just over 7:30 to play in the game. A missed three-pointer resulted in an offensive team rebound. Baldessari parlayed the second chance into a jumper in the paint to hit 41 points and give the Orediggers an 83-32 advantage. Nelson continued to battle and tallied 15 fourth-quarter points. However, the home team cruised to the 98-42 win victory by pouring in 19 points.
 
NOTABLES
- Friday marked the first-ever meeting between Mines and Nelson, making the Orediggers 1-0 all-time against the Warriors.
- Baldessari is the first Mines woman to ever surpass 40 points in a game while wearing an Oredigger uniform.
- Baldessari didn't just have a career high in scoring. Her five steals were a single-game best as well.
- Additionally, Baldessari's 45 points tied her for #4 in RMAC history for points in a game. Those 45 points rank #1 in the RMAC in 2025-26 so far.
- Baum's five steals on Friday were a career high for the graduate student.
- Jones was a perfect 4-for-4 at the charity stripe which marked career bests in makes and attempts.
- Leon added to the single-game bests with her 13 rebounds.
- Additionally, Sophia Baal surpassed 100 points for the season and Shandy went over 200 career assists.
- Mines recorded season highs in points, steals, blocks, turnovers forced, assists, and rebounds Friday afternoon.
- Coach Simpson is now 238-147 in her 14th season leading the Orediggers.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
Mines hosts Northern New Mexico on Saturday at 1 p.m. inside Lockridge Arena. Admission is complimentary with donations to Blaster's Basket encouraged.
 
Fans can keep up with Mines women's basketball on "X" (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram at @MinesWBB. They can also keep up with Colorado School of Mines Athletics all year long on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @MinesAthletics.