Leavenworth, Kan.—In mid-week KCAC action, the University of Saint Mary Spires put themselves back in the win column over the Avila University Eagles with a final score of 86-75 on Wednesday, December 10th.

The night had an energetic start as Avila's Kathleen Stanley opened the scoring with a quick 3-pointer. However, the Spires would respond accordingly with freshman Abby Wendte sinking her own deep ball the next possession. The first quarter witnessed consistent scoring from junior Keely Barnard, who stepped up big with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in her 36 minutes of play. Easy layups came for senior Mary Olson followed by an assist from a slew of Spires including Saige Grampsas and Summer Wieneke, bringing the score to a tight 18-17 lead for the Spires by the end of the first quarter.

USM maintained their level of play to begin the second quarter of action with critical 3-pointers from Barnard and more standout assists and rebounds by Grampsas. With this, the halftime score stood at 41-38 in favor of Saint Mary. The second half started with a bang defensively, including multiple steals by Abby Wendte (4 steals in total on the night) leading to easy fast-break buckets, and not one but three exciting blocks by Kate Harter who would end the contest with 4 blocks in total, a season high for the junior out of Olathe. Lock down defense would push the Spires towards a 66-56 lead heading into the fourth.

The final quarter of play showcased consistent shooting and crucial defensive stops, including the fourth block from Harter. USM maintained control and extended their lead with Grampsas, Wendt, and Olson continuing to put their foot on the gas, concluding the night victorious with a final score of 86-75. Keely Barnard led the team with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists while Wendte contributed significantly on both ends with 17 points and 4 steals.

The Spires will hit the road again for the final time in 2025 to face the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes in Salina, Kansas, on Saturday, December 13th, 2025. With a current record of 7-5, and 4-2 in the conference, the team looks to continue its impressive performance and head into the holiday break on a high note.