York, Neb.—USM women's basketball absolutely rolls past the York University Panthers this evening as the Spires made the long trek to York, Nebraska in the KCAC midweek match up with a final score of 80-47.

The night started off hot with Saint Mary taking an early lead, including the first three-pointer nailed by Addison Tower. The Spires showed their competitiveness from the start, leading the first quarter with a score of 14-12. Their momentum continued into the second quarter dominating both ends of the court, extending their lead considerably by halftime with a score of 43-21.

In the third quarter, despite fewer points scored, the Spires maintained their advantage through physical defense and a few-break away points by Tower and Saige Grampsas, going into the fourth quarter comfortably leading at 54-31. The final quarter of action saw center Cady Huffman, contributing significantly on the defensive end and the Spires rallying around each other to finish off what was already a dominant evening, concluding the game strongly with a final score 80-47 in favor of the good guys.

Key Spire athletes included Addison Tower with a cool 18 points and Riley Kerwin with impactful plays throughout the game. Freshman Abby Wendte contributed notably with clutch 3-pointers and led the team in assists along with Saige Grampsas at 3 apiece. Defensive efforts were bolstered by Mary Olson with 7 rebounds and Keely Barnard, who notched 4 steals.

The Spires are headed home and set to face the Southwestern College Moundbuilders on Saturday, November 22^nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Ryan Sports Center in Leavenworth, Kansas.