KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Making a quick turnaround, the University of Saint Mary women's basketball team rebounded from a two-point loss Wednesday to defeat Avila University, 56-43 at the Mabee Fieldhouse Thursday night.

The Spires are 2-6 overall and 2-5 in KCAC play.

A close battle in the first quarter put both teams looking to end their respective losing streaks. Saint Mary led 11-10 after Jerrica Johnson hit a basket followed by a three-point basket from Kaitlyn Fisher to make it 14-10 Spires after one. Avila would tie it in the second quarter, but USM managed to increase the lead later as Macy Walker hit a thre-pointer, while Johnson made a basket and Rebecca Gilpin made two free throws. Danielle Cassady would extend the 6-0 run after a basket as the Spires led 26-17.

Saint Mary would keep the double-digit lead through most of the second half. Fisher made two free throws with 6:44 remaining in the third quarter, before Daija Planas made a basket and Gilpin sank a three-pointer – giving USM a 35-21 lead. USM led 41-27 after the third quarter and bolstered the lead in the final period. Fisher started the period scoring five straight points, while Cassady finished the period with seven straight points. The Spires came home with the 13-point win to snap their losing streak.

Cassady led the team with 16 points on the night, while Fisher and Johnson each had 10. Walker added seven points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

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The Spires return to action on Feb. 4 when they host Southwestern College in the Ryan Sports Center at 5 p.m.