LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team once again found themselves in a close battle, tonight against the third place Avila University Eagles in the Ryan Sports Center. The Spires held a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Avila found a way to win late by a score of 77-63 Monday night.

The Spires are now 3-18 overall and 3-14 in the KCAC.

Saint Mary jumped out to a late 10-5 lead after Dakota Corle and Katie Robinson each scored baskets. Avila would tie the game at 10 and grab a 16-15 lead after the first period. Avila would go ahead 34-27 in the second quarter before Macy Walker nailed a three-pointer to cut the deficit to four. The Eagles however, connected on a long range shot down the stretch and led 37-30 at halftime.

Saint Mary fell behind by 11 points in the third quarter, but managed to make a run with 5:02 left. Nese Selepeo, Walker and Corle helped the Spires trim the lead down to four at 47-43. Avila would hit a three-pointer, but the Spires closed the period on an 8-0 run capped off by a basket from Walker.

The Eagles grabbed the lead with 7:40 left in the game and would break away from the Spires with 2:41 left. Avila went on a 10-0 run in a two minute period before coming out with the win.

Corle led the team with a career high 19 points along with eight rebounds, while Selepeo had 14 points and Danielle Cassady scored 13.

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The Spires hit the road for a trip to McPherson College on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.