LEAVENWORTH, KAN. - The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team secured a hard-fought 71-67 victory over Avila University improving their record to 12-13 overall and 11-8 in conference play.

The Spires came out strong, establishing an early lead in the first half and heading into the locker room with a six-point advantage. Avila fought back in the second half, keeping the contest tight until the final whistle, but Saint Mary's offensive resilience and defensive stops proved to be the difference-maker.

Alanis Delgado led the Spires offensively, scoring a game-high 19 points while knocking down five three-pointers. Katelynn Ostronic played a dominant role in the paint, recording a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Keely Barnard also provided a crucial spark with 12 points, including two makes from beyond the arc.

Despite shooting 38.0% from the field compared to Avila's 44.2%, Saint Mary's perimeter shooting made the difference, converting 10 three-pointers at a 35.7% clip. The Spires also displayed efficiency at the free-throw line, making 77.8% of their attempts. Their defensive pressure forced 13 turnovers while committing just 10, allowing them to capitalize on extra possessions and points off turnovers.

Up Next:

With this win, the Spires remain competitive in conference standings. They now set their sights on a road matchup against Tabor College this Saturday, February 15th, with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m.