Salina, Kan.—The final KCAC competition of the 2025 season saw an absolute nail biter of a basketball game in Salina this evening on Saturday, December 13^th when the Spires women's basketball team secured a narrow margin of victory against the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes with a final score of 61-60.

The first quarter saw KWU taking an early lead, scoring within moments of the game's commencement. Despite a spirited fight from USM, led by junior Keely Barnard's consistent level of play, who led all scorers with 19 points on the intense evening, the Coyotes ended the first period ahead 17-11. Saint Mary showed resilience in the second with a rally initiated by senior Mary Olson and Addison Tower, who gave it their all to minimize the Spire deficit to 33-28 by halftime.

The second half featured a strong comeback by the Spires, highlighted by the efforts of familiar face Addison Tower and the strong defensive presence of Olson, pulling the score to 46-43, still in favor of Kansas Wesleyan. The final quarter was absolutely crucial for USM. Athletes such as Summer Wieneke stepped up big time, landing essential three-pointers that eventually helped the Spires overtake the Coyotes, culminating in a thrilling end that saw technical free throws from Grampsas to surge the Spires forward by a single point in an exhilarating finish of 61-60 in favor of the Spires.

Keely Barnard was again the evening's top scorer with 19, followed by valuable contributions from freshman Abby Wendte, Saige Grampsas, and Summer Wieneke, who together ensured the win for Saint Mary. Wendte led in assists and steals, again proving her all around strengths while Grampsas dominated the boards with 8 rebounds. The victory demonstrated Saint Mary Spires' ability to overcome adversity and pull through in critical moments of the game.

Up next, the Spires hit the road once again to face the Pittsburg State University Gorillas on Monday, December 15^th with tip-off set for 11:30 a.m. in Pittsburg, Kansas in their last competition before a well-earned Christmas break. USM will strive to improve upon their 8-5 season record, including 5-2 in KCAC play.