LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Continuing their winning streak, the University of Saint Mary women's basketball team defeated Avila University inside Mabee Fieldhouse, 67-49.
The Spires are 4-6 overall and 4-5 in KCAC play.
The Spires had their eyes set on continuing their winning streak and started off the game hot in the first quarter - scoring the first four points of the game, led by Macy Walker and Kaitlyn Fisher, 4-0. The Spires continued to put their foot on the gas until Avila finally seemed to find a spark tying up the game with a three pointer from Matti Morgan, making it 14-14. With just 30 seconds left in the first quarter Daija Planas sank in two points to gain the lead, 16-14. Avila seemed to answer back in the second quarter scoring two points to tie the game, 16-16. The Spires didn't let up and played stellar offense and defense to keep Avila to just five more points before the half, 34-21.
Saint Mary seemed to hold off Avila throughout the second half of the game. The Spires went up by double digits most of the third quarter while playing great defense followed by a block from Daspin Bruning, as they led 38-23. Both teams battled on the offensive side but the Spires offense seemed to be too much for Avila after Bruning sank in two points to end the third quarter, 47-33. In the fourth quarter the Spires offense started a little slow allowing Avila to slowly claw their way back to keep the game close. The Spires shot outstanding from three-point range as Rebecca Gilpin drained a three-pointer to make it 58-48. The Spires seemed to catch a spark and with just a minute left were able to score nine more points winning the game, 67-49.
Danielle Cassady and Jerrica Johnson each led the team with 14 points. Gilpin had eight points and seven rebounds. Bruning led the team with double-figure rebounds collecting 10.
UP NEXT
The Spires return to action at the Ryan Sports Center on February 20th to face Bethel College at 3 p.m.
