Women's Basketball Falls Late To 19th-Ranked Sterling

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary women's basketball team gave the 19th-ranked Sterling College Warriors a scare in the early portion of the game, but the Warriors prevailed late and defeated the Spires 92-70 inside the Ryan Sports Center Thursday night.

The Spires are now 3-16 overall and 3-12 in the KCAC.

The Spires came out hot in the first quarter and would take a 23-18 lead at the end of the period. Rebecca Gilpin and Kaylie Simonds highlighted the quarter by hitting two consecutive three-pointers to ignite a 6-2 run. Sterling managed to chip away, but Saint Mary stayed on their heels throughout the second period. Sterlilng grabbed a 35-33 lead with 4:12 remaining, but the Spires tied the score three straight times thereafter – with Sina Selepeo, Katie Robinson and Macy Walker each adding baskets. Sterling would hold a tight 45-40 lead at the break.

Sterling would slowly start to separate themselves from the Spires in the third quarter, reaching a double-digit margin at 69-55. Simonds connected on a three-pointer to begin the fourth quarter for the Spires. Sterling then went on a 15-0 run to help them run away in the end.

Nese Selepeo led the team with 15 points and six rebounds. Gilpin posted 14 points and Dakota Corle finished with 10.

UP NEXT
The Spires hit the road for a trip to Ottawa University on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.