LEAVENWORTH, KAN. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team came up short in their home opener battling Baker University inside Ryan Sports Center Friday night. The final score was 52-42.

The Spires are now 0-1.

Saint Mary grabbed the first points of the game after Baker turned the ball over on a rebound that would lead to a three-pointer made by Nese Selepeo. The Spires led 8-4 midway through the first quarter. Baker would tie the game up 10-10 after a pair of three-pointers. Baskets by Bridget Cassidy and Selepeo would give the Spires a 14-10 lead at the end of the quarter.

The Wildcats would go on a 10-0 run in the opening minutes of the second quarter. Jaleia Rice stopped the bleeding after a made free-throw. The Spires gained momentum to respond with a 10-0 run of their own to put them up 24-19 with 1:29 left in the half. Madison Sibert made a basket that was followed by a free-throw from Macy Walker, and then a big three pointer from Rebecca Gilpin. Saint Mary led 24-22 at the halftime.

Baker took hit a three to take back a 25-24 lead early in the third. Both teams would trade baskets, Selepeo responded with another three-pointer and then Danielle Cassady added another bucket for the Spires. USM trailed 34-32 to start the final quarter and would fight hard, but the Wildcats would slowly inch away and secure the victory.

Walker had a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds. Selepeo led the team in scoring with 13 points.

UP NEXT
The Spires finish up the Heart Classic this Saturday inside Ryan Sports Center, where they will take on Benedictine College. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.