Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Women's Basketball team hosted the Missouri Valley Vikings Saturday, resulting in a 72-69 win. The Spires are now 1-1 overall this season.

Saint Mary took an early 7-3 lead, but the Vikings quickly responded and led by the end of the first quarter 15-10. Paige Pendley got the Spires going in the second with a three-pointer, bringing them within two. A layup from Alex Specht helped ignite an eleven-point run that gave Saint Mary the lead heading into halftime.

As the third quarter got underway, Tanea Sims and Jerrica Johnson scored a bulk of the points to help keep the Vikings at bay. Missouri Valley stayed right behind the Spires throughout the quarter and took the lead in the final minute. A late layup from Daija Planas brought the Spires back within one as Saint Mary was down 48-49 to end the third quarter. Chyanne Aaron opened the final quarter with a three-pointer that gave the Spires a 51-49 lead. The three started a seven-point run that gave Saint Mary the cushion they needed to close out the game. Johnson hit six crucial free throws to help the Spires secure their first win of the year by a score of 72-69.

Up Next
Saint Mary will travel for a matchup against Graceland University at 5:30 p.m. in Lamoni, Iowa.