Women's Basketball Wins First-Ever KCAC Tournament Championship 66-46 Over Friends

Park City, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Women's Basketball team played against the Friends Falcons Monday in the championship round of the KCAC Tournament, resulting in a 66-46 win. Saint Mary has won eight of their last nine games en route to the team's first-ever KCAC Championship.

After both teams struggled to find scoring rhythm in the first three minutes of the game, Paige Pendley put the Spires on the board with a three-pointer. This sparked a 9-0 run that forced a timeout by the Falcons. Friends responded with a run of their own to cut the lead to 9-8. Another three by Pendley put the Spires up 12-8 heading into the second quarter. Alex Specht and Pendley extended the Spire lead to begin the second quarter, but Friends responded with another extended scoring run with four minutes remaining in the half. Rebecca Gilpin nailed a three to give USM the momentum to close the half with a 29-24 lead.

Jerrica Johnson and Tanea Sims got things started for the Spires to begin the third quarter, as they hit big shots. The Falcons refused to give up as they again cut into the Spire lead. With little time left in the third, Gilpin and Sims gave USM the 48-36 lead, heading into the fourth. The Spire defense was stout from start to finish in the fourth quarter as the Falcons turned the ball over multiple times. Midway through the quarter, Alanis Delgado hit a couple of shots to extend the Spire lead to 20. The clock eventually ran out on the Falcons as Saint Mary captured their first-ever KCAC Championship in school history, winning 66-46. Pendley led the team with 21 points, while Johnson added 17 of her own.

Up Next

With the win on Monday, the Spires qualify for the NAIA National Tournament that will start on March 7th. Tune in to the NAIA Selection Show to see who Saint Mary will play in round one.