LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team hung tough with the (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes through three quarters, but the Coyotes would run away late to come out on top 71-57.

The Spires are now 2-11 overall and 2-7 in the KCAC.

After Kansas Wesleyan opened the first quarter ahead 18-6, the Spires climbed back in it. Saint Mary opened the second quarter on a 6-0 run – led by four points from Macy Walker. The Spires stayed within reach and trailed 27-19 at halftime.

Saint Mary kept pace with the Coyotes in the third and found a spark as Rebecca Gilpin sank two straight three-pointers to tie the score at 40 with 2:14 left in the quarter. Saint Mary tried to grab the lead, but KWU would not relinquish it. The Coyotes broke a 44-44 tie with 8:56 left in the game and got the lead back to double-digits down the stretch to win.

Danielle Cassady led the team with 19 points, while Gilpin had 12 and Dakota Corle added 10, as the Spires shot 42.9 percent from the field. Cassady and Walker each grabbed seven rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Spires travel to Bartlesville, Okla. on Saturday to take on No. 25 Oklahoma Wesleyan at 2 p.m.